DAVID Park and Jeremy Robinson both made solid starts to the new golfing year at the Bell's South African Open in Durban.
Park, from Hereford, and Evesham's Robinson both carded one-under-par 71s in the opening round to lie in joint 38th place, seven shots behind overnight leader Carl Pettersson.
Ernie Els dragged himself back into contention today, having struggled to a 73 yesterday.
The world number five had begun the week in optimistic mood, talking of his desire to win more major titles after a disappointing 2001 season when he failed to win on the USPGA Tour for the first time in seven years.
Enjoying the calmer morning conditions, Els birdied the 12th, his third hole, eagled the par-five 14th, and then birdied the 15th to move to three under par.
For the second day running, however, the South African failed to take advantage of the par-four 18th, at 273 yards easily reachable for all the field.
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