New Leaders in Joburg Open


While 36-hole leaders Edoardo Molinari and Craig Lee faltered, two hometown players took advantage in the Joburg Open. Thomas Aiken and Justin Walters fired rounds of 63 and 64, respectively, to rise to the top of the leaderboard at the European Tour event in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Aiken and Walters carded their scores - as did the rest of the field - on the East Course at Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club. The two stand at 17-under 198, two shots ahead of South Korea's Jin Jeong (66) and three in front of Finland's Roope Kakko (67).

Aiken, a two-time European Tour winner, posted 10 birdies and a bogey Saturday, and Walters had seven birdies, a bogey and an eagle on the par-5 closing hole.

"I've got one more round tomorrow and I'm so happy that I've put myself into a strong position," said Walters, who's seeking his first title on the European circuit. "I'm super-excited for tomorrow because it's what we play for."

Four shots out of the lead are Alastair Forsyth (68) and George Coetzee (69), while five back is David Horsey (70). Molinari carded a 72 to drop into eighth at 204. Lee shot 74 to fall into a tie for 18th.

South Afica's Charl Schwartzel recorded a 72 to accompany earlier rounds of 69 and 70. The 2011 Masters champion is a two-time winner of the Joburg Open.

Many of the players in the field have their eyes set on a spot in the 2014 British Open in July. Three players who have not already qualified and who finish in the top 10 in the Joburg Open will secure places in the Open Championship. In the event of a tie, the qualifying place(s) will go to the player with the highest spot in the Official World Golf Ranking at the start of Open week at Royal Liverpool.

For all the scores, visit For all the scores, visit http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2014/tournamentid=2014009/leaderboard/index.html.