PARIS, France (AFP) — Marcus Kinhult of Sweden took a three-shot lead at the Alfred Dunhill Championship in Malelane, South Africa, after carding a second-round 68 on Friday.

The 28-year-old sits top of the standings on 11 under par, after completing his round with seven birdies and three bogeys.

“It was a good day so I’m happy,” Kinhult said.

“Yesterday was really good, I’m super happy with that round. I feel like I played well today also but I didn’t quite take advantage of the par fives today. I think that was the only difference,” Kinhult added of his opening round of 65 on Thursday.

“But I’m not upset. It was a good score today and I’m looking forward to two more rounds. Hopefully we can keep improving and we’ll see where that takes us.”

The Swede’s closest challengers are local hope Dean Burmester, England’s Dale Whitnell and Italian Andrea Pavan — all on eight under.

Kinhult’s only title on the European Tour came in five years ago at the British Masters.