Oosthuizen on song in Durban

Last updated: 11th January 2013

Louis Oosthuizen made the most of playing on home soil by grabbing the Volvo Golf Champions lead with a superb 64.

After moving into contention at the Durban Country Club on day one with a well-played 68, the World No 6 stepped up a gear on Friday, firing a sparkling eight-under-par 64 that lifted his total to 12 under par and handed him a one-shot lead.

The former Open champion was in sublime form, picking up five birdies before making the turn - including three in a row from the seventh - and adding three more birdies coming home, with back-to-back birdies at 17 and 18 securing the lead right at the end of the day's play.

Play was delayed for two hours in the morning due to inclement weather, and conditions were pretty terrible for most of the day, but that didn't stop Oosthuizen.

"It hit the ball really well and I putted beautifully," he said. "Nobody likes playing in these kinds of conditions, but we knew it was going to be a day like this."

Oosthuizen is only stroke clear of two other players playing well in South Africa this week, however.

Overnight leader Thongchai Jaidee carded a solid 68 to stay right in contention one stroke back, while Scotland's Scott Jamieson equalled Oosthuizen's 64 to move into a share of second place.

Jamieson is chasing an unlikely Durban double after winning the Nelson Mandela Championship at Royal Durban five weeks ago.

"I don't know what it is, but I'm hoping it's not temporary and it's here to stay," he said. "But after winning I'm a bit more comfortable at this level so I'm looking forward to the weekend."

The tournament looks to be evolving into a three-horse race at this stage, with all of six shots separating Jaidee and Jamieson from the chasing pack consisting of Julien Quesne, Shane Lowry, Thomas Bjorn, Paul Lawrie, Jeev Milkha Singh and Danny Willett - all tied for fourth place on five under.

Nicolas Colsaerts, Francesco Molinaro and Ernie Els follow on four under, eight shots off Oosthuizen's lead.