England's Chris Paisley and Frenchman Adrien Saddier share the lead of the BMW South African Open after two rounds at Glendower Golf Club, with two-time former 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 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 18th, 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 event.
With two rounds left, Paisley is hoping the trend of English champions in this championship works in his favour as well, since his countrymen Graeme Storm and Andy Sullivan won two of the last three SA Opens.
"I know Stormy and Andy pretty well. I certainly hope that I can keep that trend going," he said.