Overnight leader Ian Snyman carded a second-round three-under-par 69 in the Big Easy Road To #7 at Krugersdorp to take his tournament total to nine-under-par ahead of the final round and a shot clear of Michael Kok.
Backing up a fine score such as the 66 he produced on day one was always going to be a tough ask, and – by his own admission – with a not-so-warm putter at hand, Snyman had to rely on other aspects of his game to score well on Tuesday.
“The flat stick was a bit cold today compared to yesterday,” said Snyman. “but I hit my irons beautifully today. I hit two eight-irons and they were both inside four feet and they both looked like they were going to go in. I think it was a solid day overall; I hit the driver solidly and I was happy with the way I worked the whole day.”
Snyman only made two birdies on the front nine on Tuesday – on the par-five second and seventh holes – but surrendered a shot on the par-four fifth. After turning in 36 – in stark contrast to his round-one five-under 32 on that set – Snyman found some rhythm on the back. He picked up a par on the 10th, then a birdie on 11 and 12 before making further gains with a birdie on 14. Three pars later, however, and on the last hole, Snyman made a drop to sign for a 69.
At nine-under after 36 holes, Snyman is only a shot ahead of Michael Kok whose 66 on day two catapulted him to second on the leaderboard at eight-under-par. His bogey-free round will be a confidence booster as he looks for his second win this season and an improved lie on the Order of Merit.
“I saw Michael played really well today and it should be a fun group tomorrow,” added Snyman. Kok also boasts an IGT Tour win this season and lying just one shot off the pace ahead of the final round in Krugersdorp – and having been in contention countless times this season – he will relish the opportunity to have a go at another title.
Snyman has full status on the Asian Tour and following his IGT Tour win at ERPM earlier this season, he will look forward to the final round in Krugersdorp with excitement as he establishes himself as a serial contender.
Lying third on the leaderboard and joining Kok and Snyman in the final group on Wednesday is Jason Froneman whose round-two 70 helped him to a tournament total of seven-under-par.
By Matthews Mfubu
