Lorenzo-Vera leads South African Open

PAARL, South Africa, Dec. 19 (UPI) -- France's Michael Lorenzo-Vera overcame the early leaders Friday with a 7-under-par 65 to take the 36-hole lead at the South African Open golf tournament.

The 23-year-old Vera, among the final players on the course at the Pearl Valley Golf Estates in Paarl, closed with his seventh birdie to overtake clubhouse leader Damien McGrane (64) of Ireland.

Vera's 36-hole total, 12-under 132, is one-stroke better than McGrane (64), England's Lee Westwood (68), native Carl Schwartzel (65), and another late finisher, popular South African Ernie Els (67).

At 9-under 135, South African Thomas Aiken (64), England's David Horsey (65) and Gareth Maybin (66) of Northern Ireland all share fourth place.

"I hope this time I'm going to catch (a win)," Lorenzo-Vera said. "There were a few occasions last year that I let it go, so I'm just going to try and make it a good weekend."

Defending champion James Kingston (74) of South Africa missed the cut with his 2-over 146 total.