Williams leads local contingent

MARK WILLIAMS led the way for the locals as he carded a three-under par during yesterday’s Old Mutual Zimbabwe Open second round at Royal Harare.

The South Africa-based professional, who is ranked 37 on the Sunshine Tour order of merit, was one of the five local professional who managed to make it through to the final two rounds.

Williams will be joined by Trainos Muradzikwa, Robson Chinhoi, Ryan Cairns and Marc Cayuex in today’s third round. After opening with a one-under 71, Williams, who played in the morning, was at some point tied for second when he reached six-under par.

Muradzikwa said he was happy to make the final two rounds.

“It will be like a book where I will take a page by page. I am happy with my score.

“I had a memorable shot on the 16 where I punched a birdie before I served a par on fourth hole which was almost impossible.

“Tomorrow (today) is another day which I look forward to and hopefully,’’ he said.

Defending champion, JC Ritchie, carded a second successive 66 for a 12-under going into the final two rounds.

He was four shots clear of second-placed Jaco Ahlers and Bryce Easton.