Els tied with one of his biggest followers

MIAMI — Charl Schwartzel has looked up to Ernie Els for as long as he has been around golf.

Schwartzel was a toddler when his father and Els played together in a team event they won at a local club in South Africa. Schwartzel later became an affiliate member of Els' foundation, traveling with the team of junior golfers.

"He was like my big hero," Schwartzel said Saturday.

The dynamics have changed dramatically at the CA Champion­ship. His hero now stands in the way on a world stage.

Schwartzel, 25, ran off four birdies in the opening six holes, and the South African hit three big par putts on the back nine for 5-under 67. Els, 40, a three-time major champion with 60 victories worldwide, made a few mistakes and settled for 70 to join Schwartzel in a tie for the lead at 12-under 204 in the WGC event.

Els has rarely been so pleased with a guy he is trying to beat.

"I think it's a wonderful, cool story," Els said. "It's great for South African golf, obviously. A 25-year-old really making his mark this year. He's won twice. He's a force to be reckoned with. And I think it's great."

Padraig Harrington ran off four birdies on the back nine only to have his streak of 26 holes without a bogey end with a three-putt on 18. He still had 67 and was one shot behind at 205. Robert Allenby missed eight putts from inside 15 feet but had two late birdies to salvage 71, leaving him two shots out.

PGA: Chad Collins led at 9 under before the second round of the Puerto Rico Open was suspended because of darkness in Rio Grande. Only six players have finished two rounds and the event will stretch into Monday because of rain delays.

WOMEN'S AUSTRALIAN OPEN: Australia's Karrie Webb shot bogey-free, 3-under 70 for 213 total and a one-stroke advantage over Round 2 leader Giulia Sergas in Melbourne.

OUTBACK PRO-AM: Actor Michael J. Fox will return to the Champions Tour event, April 16-18 at TPC Tampa Bay in Lutz. Fox started the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research in 2000 after he was diagnosed with the disease. He will be joined by fellow celebrities George Lopez, Vince Gill and Stone Phillips. Actor Bill Murray will not attend as he has the past few years; he's recovering from knee surgery.

Times staff writer Rodney Page contributed to this report.