Schwartzel ties for lead in South Africa

MALELANE, South Africa, Nov. 29 (UPI) -- Defending champion Charl Schwartzel posted a 4-under-par 68 on Friday that moved him into a tie for the lead after 36 holes of the Alfred Dunhill Championship.

First-round leader Morten Orum Madsen maintained a share of the top spot with a 71 at the Leopard Creek Country Club.

Madsen won for the first time on the European Tour last week and is trying to become a back-to-back champion.

"I've got a bunch of confidence right now," said Madsen. "I really believe that I'm going to hit good shots on pretty much every shot.

The co-leaders reached the midway point of the tournament at 8-under 136. They had a one-shot lead over Soren Hansen and Ross Fisher, both of whom shot a 65.

Richard Finsh and Tyrone Van Aswegen were tied for fifth at 138, but Finch could have been in much better shape. He played his final four holes in 4-over on the way to a 70.

This is the second straight week Schwartzel and Madsen have gone head-to-head in a battle for the title. Schwartzel held a one-shot lead over Madsen going into the last round of the South African Open Championship a week ago.