Hennie Otto maintained his three shot lead at the start of the SA Open Championship final round as the South African edged closer to a second European Tour victory.
The 35 year old played his first six holes in one under par to reach 15 under at Serengeti Golf Club.
Four players were three behind on 12 under – Retief Goosen, Thomas Aiken and Magnus A Carlsson joined by Austrian Bernd Wiesberger, who turned in a three under par 33.
Goosen, looking to win the event for the third time after missing out to Ernie Els last December, birdied the fourth to remain in contention.
Swede Carlsson arguably had most to play for – at 142nd on The Race to Dubai he needs a win to secure his card for 2012, and at least a top five finish to get into next week’s UBS Hong Kong Open, the last chance for those outside the top 118 to earn their playing rights for next season.
Welsh former Ryder Cup hero Phillip Price looked to have done enough – he holed an 80 foot birdie putt at the last to finish four under.
At tied for 35th he was in line to pick up a cheque for around €7,000, and having started the week 117th was set to cement his place in the top 118.
