South African players dominate at Joburg Open as Nikhil Rama takes halfway lead

Rama carded a bogey-free 62, his lowest round as a professional, at Houghton Golf Club to post a halfway total of 13 under par.

The 22-year-old holed his second shot to the third for an eagle and almost span his approach to the next back into the hole for another before tapping in for the first of his six birdies.

Former champion and first-round leader Thriston Lawrence added a 66 to his opening 62 to reach 12 under par, with Jacques Kruyswijk and Dean Burmester on 10 under as South African players occupied the top seven places.

"What can I say? I'm just really excited," Rama, who was born in Johannesburg, said.

"I'm enjoying the pressure and the fans and just trying to have fun. It will obviously be a little different being in the final group on Saturday but I'll play some Fortnite with friends tonight and we’ll see how it goes on Saturday."

Defending champion Dan Bradbury, who led from start to finish in just his third DP World Tour event 12 months ago – after receiving a last-minute sponsor's invite – is part of a nine-way tie for eighth on five under after carding a second round of 69.

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