Sport World sport
South Africa's Louis Oosthuizen was the early clubhouse leader in the second round of the British Open here on Friday, but whether he stayed there depended on Rory McIlroy, who was due out in the afternoon.
The 27-year-old Oosthuizen, from the Western Cape coastal town of Mossel Bay, started the day in second place at seven-under par, two behind the hotshot young Ulsterman. But three birdies in a row from the fifth hole, despite heavy rain, saw him move ahead as he went out in 33.
Oosthuizen followed up with four birdies against two bogeys on the back nine to come in with a 67, which gave him the overall lead at 12-under par.
Also closing in on the 21-year-old McIlroy was top American Ricky Barnes, who moved to nine-under through 13 holes after an opening 68 on Thursday.
England's Paul Casey was at eight-under through 11 after firing five birdies in his first eight holes, while 1989 Open winner Mark Calcavecchia was at seven under after carding a fine five-under 67.
European number one Lee Westwood stayed in contention at six-under through 10 holes, while world number two Phil Mickelson moved to one-under through seven thanks to an eagle at the fifth.
If it was impressive play in the wet conditions from the early starters, the big question was could McIlroy reproduce the stunning form he showed on Thursday when he overwhelmed the Old Course.
