Trevor Fisher Junior matched his opening day 66 to earn the clubhouse lead early on the second afternoon of the Africa Open, with his 14 under par total putting him a shot clear of Swede Patrik Sjoland.
The pair, who were among the five players to share top spot after the opening round at the co-sanctioned European and Sunshine Tour event, were followed closely by Thomas Aiken on 12 under par after his bogey free round of 67, while Englishman Justin Walters was on ten under.
Leader Fisher was in command from the start of the day at the East London Golf Club, thanks to a flying start that included an eagle and a birdie on his first two holes.
The 30 year old South African then picked up four further birdies as well as a second eagle on the par five 11th, but bogeys either side of that set him back slightly on what could have been and even better round.
As it happened, none of the players that had morning tee-offs were able to catch him, with Sjoland coming closest.
James Morrison, one of the big movers early on, picked up a double bogey and bogey in his closing four holes to end his round disappointingly at just three under for the day - a tournament total of eight under par.
Pre-tournament favourites Charl Schwartzel and James Kingston, the two highest ranked players in the field at 66 and 83 respectively, also made their charge with rounds of 70 and 69 to move into a tie for fifth on nine under.
Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke was two shots further back on seven under after following up his opening 69 with a 70.
Another of the overnight co-leaders, Richard Sterne, was level par after five holes - seven under overall.
