Four-time Major winner, Ernie Els was not about to let fellow South African Louis Oosthuizen steal all the thunder on the second day of the WGC – HSBC Champions event in Shenzhen.

Els birdied his opening three holes and then three more from the fifth on the Olazabal Course before a birdie at the ninth saw him go out in 29.

However while he stalled with just two birdies over his inward half it was still good enough to also post a nine under par 63 and match Oosthuizen’s new record low at Mission Hills.

Four-time Major winning Ernie Els on route to a course record equallying 63 on day two of the WGC – HSBC Champions. (Photo – www.golffile.ie)

Here is a transcript of Els’ interview:

Q.  63, I imagine you’re delighted with that?

ERNIE ELS:  Yeah, it’s a very nice scoring.  I obviously had a good start and all of that.  But I wish I can always play like that.

Q.  You’ve had a great career, but 8‑under through 12, are you thinking, really, really low?

ERNIE ELS:  Yeah, exactly.  That number was crossing my mind.  You know, I just didn’t quite make the putts coming in.  15 was quite a big hole.  A bit of a wait on the tee and I didn’t hit a good tee shot but that was definitely a hole to maybe eagle even.  So the number definitely crossed our minds, yeah.

Q.  You shot 63, Louis shot 63; can people keep shooting these low numbers on the weekend?

ERNIE ELS:  Yeah, it’s amazing.  He’s playing great obviously and other guys are playing well.  But there’s trouble out there, if you get a little wayward, you can pay the penalty.  We’ve seen that.

The big holdup today was on 15, some guys were missing shots.  So if you’re not missing shots, it’s a different story, but playing great.

Q.  All in all, happy with your game?

ERNIE ELS:  Yeah, I mean, I’m just glad to be here; after going down on the tennis court two weeks ago to stand here and shoot 63 is quite a bonus.

Q.  So the injury is not hurting you too much?

ERNIE ELS:  No, we’re still here.

Q.  Just elaborate on, that how is it?

ERNIE ELS:  Yeah, I feel it, but Vern, my trainer, is here and he’s working on me.  He’s got me around.  I feel it, but it’s all right.   You know, what do they say, be aware of the injured golfer (smiling).