Joint leader Fisher goes slowly but surely at Joburg Open

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Trevor Fisher Jnr, chasing his first European Tour win, shot a scintillating nine-under 62 to earn a share of the lead with fellow South African Richard Sterne after the Joburg Open second round on Friday.

The 33-year-old Fisher strung together seven birdies and an eagle on the less challenging West Course at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club to finish on 15-under 128 alongside joint overnight leader Sterne (65).

"It was a great day," Fisher told reporters. "Everything just happened for me and I sank the putts I needed to sink.

"I was patient ... I walked slowly and did everything slowly."

Fisher and Sterne were three shots ahead of third-placed South African George Coetzee (64) who is also looking for his maiden European Tour victory after a string of near misses.

World number 18 Charl Schwartzel, the highest-ranked player in the tournament, burst through the field with a 65 as he grabbed a share of fourth position on 133 with Chile's Felipe Aguilar (66) and South African Keith Horne (66).

"It won't be easy over the weekend," said the 31-year-old Sterne. "The players who are five or six back can catch us.

"Charl's there, George is due a win, so it's a long way from being over."

Former U.S. Masters champion Schwartzel is making his first appearance after injury had kept him out for seven weeks.