Clark moves two shots ahead

Tim Clark leads going into the final round of the Bell's South African Open but the awesome shadow of Retief Goosen will be looming large when the local favourite bids to win on home soil.

Clark fired a 4-under-par 68 to leave him 12-under for the tournament, two shots clear of Goosen who shares second place with England's Jonathan Lomas. A group of five players are on 9-under-par including England's Steve Webster.

Clark, who had to come through the qualifying competition to make it to the tournament at the Country Club course, truly enjoyed a round of two halves.

He went out in a blistering 32, including five birdies. He clocked his sixth birdie of the day at the 10th before immediately dropping back with a bogey at 11. He concluded his round with seven straight pars.

''I've played here in the wind many times before and I enjoy it''Clark said.

''I will be happy if it does blow as I am swinging really nicely. If I can keep hitting the greens and leaving myself with easy par putts, then hopefully the birdies will come.''

Goosen, meanwhile, fired an eagle at the par five 8th to revitalise his round of 69. It was a day of solid golf by the US Open champion as he carded three birdies and two bogeys.

''I am playing okay but not great. I’m struggling to read the greens, but hopefully tomorrow I can make a couple of putts to get me going. It’s very tight at the top so it’s going to be an interesting day.

''There are probably still 20 guys in this, including Ernie (Els), who is six shots back.''

Els fired a 68 to move back into contention while overnight leader Jamie Kingston fired a disappointing 74 to fall back to 9-under.

Email this page to a friend | Return to top of page