STEVE Surry's superb finish to 2013 continued this morning as he soared into early contention in the 1.1million Euros South African Open.

The Cumberwell Park professional carded a four-under-par round of 68 to lie just two shots off the pace in the prestigious event, which is launching the 2014 European Tour schedule and is co-sanctioned with South Africa's Sunshine Tour.

Surry, who finished tied second at the Sunshine Tour's recent Nedbak Affinity Cup, at the Glendower Golf Club in Johannesburg, was hot on the heels of early pacesetter Christiaan Basson, with 2011 Masters champion Charl Schwartzel in second place on five under.

2013 FedEx Cup and Race to Dubai winner Henrik Stenson, 2001 Open champion David Duval, 2011 Masters champion Charl Schwartzel and two-time US Open champion Retief Goosen are also in the field this week.

Surry's round included a second-shot eagle on the par-four 11th, along with birdies at the eight, 13th and 15h and just one dropped shot on the 10th.

His previous best finish on the Tour, of which he has been a member for two years, is tied sixth in March’s Telekom PGA Championship.

Surry was 60th on the Tour’s Order of Merit after his performance at the Nedbank Affinity Cup and a high finish in Johannesburg would push him towards the top 50 and possible guaranteed starts in every Sunshine Tour event next year, including the six co-sanctioned events with the European Tour.

MORE ON SURRY'S PROGRESS AT THE SOUTH AFRICA OPEN TOMORROW AT WILTSHIRETIMES.CO.UK/SPORT AND REACTION IN NEXT WEEK'S WILTSHIRE TIMES