Fisher and Sterne share the lead in Joburg Open

EUROPEAN TOUR: Trevor Fisher Jnr, chasing his first European Tour win, shot a scintillating nine-under 62 to earn a share of…

EUROPEAN TOUR:Trevor Fisher Jnr, chasing his first European Tour win, shot a scintillating nine-under 62 to earn a share of the lead with fellow South African Richard Sterne after the Joburg Open second round yesterday.

The 33-year-old Fisher strung together seven birdies and an eagle on the less challenging West Course at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club to finish on 15-under 128 alongside joint overnight leader Sterne (65).

Fisher and Sterne were three shots ahead of third-placed South African George Coetzee (64) who is also looking for his maiden European Tour victory after a string of near misses.

World number 18 Charl Schwartzel, the highest-ranked player in the tournament, burst through the field with a 65 as he grabbed a share of fourth position on 133 with Chile’s Felipe Aguilar (66) and South African Keith Horne (66).

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Former US Masters champion Schwartzel is making his first appearance after injury had kept him out for seven weeks.

All three Irish players failed to make the weekend. Gareth Maybin’s second round 66 fell just one shot short of the cut mark after an opening 74 while Damien McGrane dropped back to two under following a 75 on the East Course, where David Higgins finished one over after a 73.