Jesper Svensson started the day three shots off the lead and carded a 67 to take a one-shot lead at 9-under into the weekend at the Investec South African Open Championship.
"To lead feels great," he said. "We're halfway through and I'm happy to be in a good position.
"The weekend is going to be great, being in the final group on Saturday is going to be a lot of fun.
"I had some bogeys coming in and it felt good to come back with a birdie, I'm happy. I had the putter on fire from the beginning and rolled in some good putts."
The Swede is playing ihis sixth DP World Tour event after earning his place on Tour with a fifth place finish on last season's Road to Mallorca.
Compatriot and overnight leader Joakim Lagergren made three birdies and two bogeys for a 71 and a share of second place at 8-under alongside South Africa's Casey Jarvis (70) and Italy's Matteo Manassero (68).
France's Frederic Lavroix (68) and David Ravetto (69) are tied in fifth place with South Africa's Ryan van Zelden (bogey-free 65).
