Veteran Norman three adrift of leader Kingston

By Ken Borland

PAARL, South Africa (Reuters) - An eagle three at the third hole helped James Kingston take the lead after the second round of the South African Open on Friday.

The 42-year-old South African fired a three-under 69 for a two-under tally of 142 at Pearl Valley, one ahead of fellow countryman Andrew McLardy (71) and Briton Kyron Sullivan (71) on another day of blustery winds.

Holder Ernie Els was five strokes off the lead after a 70 but the surprise move of the day came from former world number one Greg Norman, making a rare competitive appearance.

The 52-year-old Australian carded a 70 to finish in a six-man group on 145 that also included Britain's Darren Clarke.

But Norman was critical of the way the course was set up for the second round.

"It's been two totally different courses, the course was more difficult yesterday," he told reporters.

"They made a few adjustments to the tees and they did 100 percent irrigation last night so the greens, which they also did not cut, were softer and there was not as much release on the fairways.

"I believe, if you are going to be fair, you need to be consistent in setting up a course," added Norman.