Trevor Fisher Jnr saw his overnight two shot lead halved as Matt Ford applied the pressure during the final round of the Africa Open at East London Golf Club.
The South African, aiming to become the sixth consecutive home winner of this event since its inception in 2010, made a fine start with birdies on the first and third.
But Fisher Jnr produced two disappointing tee shots at the fourth and fifth, saving par on the former but dropping a shot on the latter to boost Ford’s hopes.
The Englishman, after matching Fisher Jnr's two early gains, did the same again on the sixth and seventh.
Fisher Jnr, an eight time winner on the Sunshine Tour, and Ford, who faced the prospect of working as a postman until advancing through November’s Qualifying School at the tenth attempt, have never won on the European Tour.
Jorge Campillo was three shots off the pace following an impressive start to his final round.
The Spaniard chipped in out of the rough from distance to eagle the first before collecting shots at the third, fifth, sixth and seventh.
Jaco van Zyl, always in contention at this event, moved to 14 under alongside Morten Orum Madsen after improving his putting.
The South African, tied for second at last week’s Joburg Open, saw his birdie putt lip out on the first and failed to make par on the next, but he responded with three birdies.
Spaniard Eduardo de la Riva was 13 under, one clear of France’s Julien Quesne, England’s John Parry and Chile’s Mark Tullo.
Magnus A Carlsson was one of five players on 11 under after producing a flawless seven under par 65.
