Influential friend helps Van Rensburg take lead

A few swing tips from US Open champion Ernie Els put South African Nico van Rensburg on track for a six-under-par 66 and the second-round lead in the Asia Pacific Ericsson Masters at Bintan Lagoon Golf and Beach Resort, Indonesia, yesterday.

The powerful-hitter has a two-round total of 10-under-par 134 (68-66) and leads by one from the Indian duo of Arjun Atwal, the first-round leader who returned a two-under-par 70 yesterday, and Jeev Milkha Singh, in with a three-under-par 69.

Van Rensburg charged to the forefront of the joint-sanctioned event between the Asian PGA's Omega Tour and the PGA Tour Australasia with an amazing birdie, birdie, eagle run starting from the 14th.

'It was a great day, I hit a lot of great shots,' said Van Rensburg, a close friend of fellow South African Els.

'Every time I see Ernie Els he gives me really constructive advice. At the Sprint International in the United States, at the beginning of August, Ernie and Robert Baker [Els' coach] gave me a lot of help with my swing. It has slowly come good.' The 24-year-old Atwal looked to be in control of his round until his tee shot landed in the water on the 193-yard par-three 15th.

'I pulled my three iron slightly and, unfortunately, there was no room for error there,' said Atwal, who carded a double bogey five.