Charl Schwartzel holds a one-shot lead heading into the final day of action at the South African Open Championship. The home favourite shot 69 on Saturday to move to the summit on his own on 15 under overall, having shared the lead with Italy&aposs Marco Crespi at the start of the day. Crespi&aposs 70 saw him finish Saturday&aposs play in joint second with Dane Morten Orum Madsen. The big mover of the day was Schwartzel&aposs compatriot Hennie Otto, who signed for a seven-under 65 featuring an eagle and nine birdies to position himself just two shots off the lead. Schwartzel, who hit five birdies, admitted his round could have been better. The world number 22 said: “It was a bit up and down but I think I did what I needed to do. You always think some things could have been better. “I had a chance to separate myself from the field a little bit at 12, 13, two birdie opportunities, but the greens are starting to speed up and, like I said yesterday (Friday), there are a few bumpy spots around the holes (so) 69 overall is a good round.” He remains hopeful of securing his second European Tour title triumph of the season and revealed that the tournament holds special significance for him. “I&aposve won the Dunhill and one or two others here in South Africa,” he continued. “The South African Open, being the second oldest golf tournament in the world and being our national open, it would be fantastic.”
Author: Omnisport