With a second consecutive score of 67 for a total of 8 under par, Sven Strüver of Germany has taken a grip on the lead after the second round of the Mercedes-Benz - Vodacom South African Open Championship, leading John Bickerton of England by three strokes, and a further group of five players by four strokes.
Strüver, who has won three times on the European Tour, picked up four birdies on the back nine, holing some tricky putts in a round which included seven birdies and three bogeys.
John Bickerton in second place had an eagle and three birdies on a bogey-free card to be five under for the day and the championship.
Tied in third on 138, fours shots off the lead, were England's Mark Roe, Paul McGinley of Ireland, American Scott Dunlap who shot 65, and South Africans Clinton Whitelaw and David Frost.
Defending champion Ernie Els shot a one-under par 70, while England's Nick Faldo produced a 71, leaving them both seven shots off the lead.
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