DAVID Howell will be ruing a missed opportunity after a nightmare on the 13th cost him a shot of the lead at the Joburg Open.

The Broome Manor pro made the perfect start to his second round after picking up from yesterday’s five under par round.

Howell recorded an eagle on the opening hole before birdies on the sixth, eighth and ninth holes saw him go out in five under par, with the 39-year-old just one shot off the lead at one stage.

However a bogey on the par-four 11th was followed up by a triple bogey on the par four 13th to move him back down the order.

Howell was able to regain his focus and birdies on the 15th and 18th left him with a respectable three under par 69 and will put him in good shape going into the weekend.

Howell, with a total score of eight under par, currently sits just outside the top ten and with the top three places getting a spot in this year’s Open a good weekend will be crucial for the Swindon-born player.