Jaco van Zyl remains in prime position for a second Telkom PGA Championship title following the third round on Saturday.
European Tour Member Van Zyl knocked in a testing 12 footer for birdie at the last for a 67 to join a charging Chris Swanepoel in pole position on 17 under par.
But the 34 year old former champion will need a strong finish to hold off Swanepoel, who knocked in nine birdies for a flawless nine under 63 at the Woodmead course to launch from a tie for tenth to the top of the leaderboard.
Jean Hugo will be third member in the leading party in the final round fired a blemish free 66 to finish in alone in third on 16 under, and.
Van Zyl said he was rather excited when he saw the leaderboard and the line-up for Sunday.
“It’s actually nice to see Chris playing so well again,” Van Zyl said. “Obviously a win for him will mean the world to him, and I’m sure he will be out there doing whatever he needs to get it done.
“Jean is a gritty competitor and his record speaks for itself. He knows how to win and he is comfortable being in front and if he gets it going, he is definitely one to look out for. I think we are going to be a lot fun out there.”
Van Zyl pushed ahead early in his round with a brace of birdies at the second and third and a birdie at the par five sixth pushed him two strokes clear of the chasing pack. He held on his lead with further birdies at the tenth and 14th, but lost his footing when he missed a short putt for par at the par three 15th for his second bogey of the tournament.
