Home favourite Shaun Norris posted a flawless second-round 63 to lead by one at the midway point of the Joburg Open despite struggling with an ear infection.
Norris has enjoyed a fine start to the 2025 season, winning the Alfred Dunhill Championship in December and recording two other top-10 finishes in his four starts so far.
And he continued his impressive form on Friday as he reeled off seven birdies to reach 11 under par and sit one stroke clear of Adrien Saddier at the top of the leaderboard ahead of the weekend.
Scotland's Connor Syme and Indian former champion Shubhankar Sharma shot second-round 65s to share third place on nine under.
South African Norris told the DP World Tour website: "I picked up an ear infection on Tuesday afternoon and saw the doctor on Wednesday.
"Tried to flush it out but it's not worked, put me on antibiotics and things like that but it's frustrating.
"I can't hear anything out of my left side and it's bugging me. But you know what, somehow it's not bothering me on the golf course."
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