Charl Schwartzel carved out an early advantage during the final round as the Joburg Open headed for a thrilling climax.
The South African was one of three players in a share of the lead overnight but after dropping a shot at the first he picked up two birdies to lead the field by a shot on 12 under having played four holes.
But eight players were within two shots of the lead as an exciting finish beckoned at Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club.
Schwartzel’s compatriot Tyrone van Aswegen was two under for the day and 11 under overall through six, alongside Denmark’s Anders Hansen who was one under on the day through five and overnight co-leader David Drysdale, who was about to play the fifth.
Four more home challengers were at ten under - Brett Liddle (through eight), Retief Goosen, Louis Oosthuizen (both through five) and Andrew McLardy, who was playing in the final group with Drysdale.
Northern Ireland’s Michael Hoey was also ten under having played seven after a birdie at the sixth as the race for the €174,350 first prize went down to the wire.
