Oosthuizen takes charge

Last updated: 2nd November 2012

An impressive round of 63 saw Louis Oosthuizen grab a five-shot lead heading into the weekend at the WGC-HSBC Champions event.

The South African, who held the lead overnight with Adam Scott, got off to a poor start, bogeying the second but bounced back to take the turn in 31 thanks to four birdies and an eagle.

The 2010 Open Champion added a further four birdies to his collection to complete a round of nine-under par, taking him to a total of 16-under.

Despite his commanding position, Oosthuizen isn't looking too far ahead.

"I'm in a great position to win, but it's not even crossed my mind at the moment," he said.

"There's still a lot of golf to be played - I need to put myself in a great position going down the back nine on Sunday.

"I started off a bit shaky with a bogey on the second, but immediately made birdie and was putting really well," he added.

"I gave myself a lot of opportunities for birdie and if you make the putts you shoot a low number."

Oosthuizen's 63 was matched by his compatriot, Ernie Els, with the Big Easy enjoying a faultless day.

The 43-year-old managed an incredible seven birdies on the front nine and while he was only able to add a further two birdies on the closing nine, the round was enough to put him in a share of second with Scott on 11-under.

Scott was unable to maintain the pace he had set on Thursday, mustering an average round of 68 as he lost touch with Oosthuizen.

A further shot back are Portugal Masters winner Shane Lowry (68) and American Justin Dufner (66).

Phil Mickelson (69) and Dustin Johnson (68) find themselves seven shots off the pace on nine-under, with Mickelson left to rue a poor run into the finish.

After a 31 on the front nine, the American notched up just one birdie on the back nine but was hindered by a bogey on the 14th and double bogey on the 18th.

Luke Donald (68) is in a group of four on eight-under-par while defending champion Martin Kaymer (69) and fellow Ryder Cups stars Ian Poluter (68) and Lee Westwood (67) are a further shot adrift.