Chris Paisley, Adrien Saddier tied at the top as ‘Goose’ chases

England’s Chris Paisley and Frenchman Adrien Saddier share the lead headed into the weekend of the BMW South African Open hosted by the City of Ekurhuleni, and with double SA Open champion Retief Goosen five strokes off the pace.

Saddier posted a course record nine-under-par 63 and Paisley a 65 to share the lead on 13 under par.

“I’m very happy and excited for the weekend,” Saddier said after his bogey-free round. And he’s realised a childhood dream at Glendower this week. “I asked for a selfie with Ernie Els because he was my idol when I was young.”

Young South African Jacques Kruyswijk is their nearest challenger on nine under par after a 67 and in what is his rookie season on the European Tour.

Goosen was one of those who made a big move up the leaderboard in a low-scoring second round.

The double US Open champion went out with three birdies and an eagle on his front nine, and added three birdies and a bogey on the back before arriving on the par-four 18^th where a double bogey made for a frustrating end to his charge as he signed for a 67.

Branden Grace had to battle his own frustrations yesterday. After a first round featuring three eagles, Grace had to settle for a second-round 71. But he remains right in the hunt on eight under as he chases a maiden victory in the BMW South African Open.

With two rounds left, Paisley is hoping the trend of English champions in this championship works in his favour as well.

English golfers Graeme Storm and Andy Sullivan have won two of the last three BMW South African Opens.

“I know Stormy and Andy pretty well. I certainly hope that I can keep that trend going,” he said.