Hugo takes over lead with 65

Jean Hugo shot a 7-under 65 Saturday to take a one-stroke lead into the final round of the South African Open.

Defending champion Tim Clark self-destructed, blowing a seemingly comfortable lead with a quadruple-bogey 9 at the par-5 16th hole. He needed five shots just to get on the green there.

Clark scrambled back to birdie the 18th and finish with a 71, leaving him tied for second place with Phil Golding, whose 64 is a record for the renovated course. Ian Hutchings and Tjaart van der Walt also shot 64s Saturday.

Hugo was at 12 under through three rounds.

"I thought today I would just get close to Tim," Hugo said. "I am very pleased with my game today. It wasn't easy out there today."

He failed to retain his European Tour card after missing the cutoff on the final Order of Merit. That meant Hugo was relegated to the Challenge Tour, where he will have to finish in the top 15 to reclaim the card.

A victory Sunday would give him a two-year exemption on the tour next year.

"In about 24 hours, my life can change," Hugo said. "My goal coming here this week was to win. But even the guys at 5 under can still win this."

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