Charl Schwartzel delivered a magical 10-underpar round of 61 on a rainaffected day two of the Joburg Open to storm into a share of the lead at the halfway stage.

The defending champion kept all errors off the card as he notched 10 birdies to join compatriot Garth Mulroy and Englishman Jamie Elson on 13 under at the top of the leaderboard, one shot ahead of the field.

The pair both shot sevenunder 64s yesterday on the tougher east course of the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club, while Schwartzel’s effort came on the west.

This week’s co-sanctioned European and Sunshine Tour event is being played over the two courses on the first two days before the cut is made. The last two rounds will be played on the east side.

Heavy rain around the area, meant play had to be suspended for close to three hours, with more than 25 players set to return this morning to complete their rounds.

Heading the chasing pack are a trio of South Africans, amongst them James Kingston, whose 62 on the west course was the second lowest round of the day.

Also on 12 under are jointround one leader Tyrone Mordt.

Northern Ireland’s Darren Clarke carded a three-under 68 to move to four under overall.

Chertsey golfer Elson reeled off five successive birdies in a second bogey-free round.

The 29-year-old, who was part of the successful 2001 Great Britain and Ireland Walker Cup team, said: ‘‘I played fantastic.

“I’m delighted with seven under. ‘‘It’s very wet out there.”