Golf: Westner overhauls Higgins

Golf

Ireland's David Higgins shot a second-round 72 yesterday to lie joint second, three shots behind, after being leap-frogged by Wayne Westner in a rain-disrupted day at the South African Masters in Port Edward.

South Africa's Westner took full advantage of favourable morning conditions at the San Lameer Country Club to add 68 to his opening 69 for a total of 137. But, with two and a half hours of play suspended during the afternoon because of lightning and rain, half the field were unable to finish their rounds before it got dark.

Westner did not enjoy a profitable start. The twice South African Open champion dropped a shot at the first hole after driving into the right- hand rough, and another at the fourth. However, he then found his form with seven birdies over the next nine holes around the turn. "I'm happy with the way I'm playing at the moment," he said. "The course is tricky but it's not too tough."

Westner's closest threats among those who did not finish are Zimbabwe's Mark McNulty, a shot behind on six under par with four holes to play, and another South African, Warren Schutte, also at six under with six holes remaining.