Bogey-free round tees up a great final day

SHUBHANKAR Sharma fired a brilliant bogey-free 65 to open up a five-shot lead heading into the final round of the Joburg Open at Randpark Golf Club.

The Indian entered the day a shot behind overnight leader Tapio Pulkkanen but as the Finn slipped to a 73, Sharma made it 37 holes without a bogey to get to 20 under and lead the way from Christofer Blomstrand.

The Swede – celebrating his 26th birthday – got to 11 under for the day after 14 holes to raise hopes of an historic 59 but came home in one over par for a 62.

Sharma has five wins on the Professional Golf Tour of India but has never won on a major circuit and may never have a better chance, with a softened Firethorn Course and preferred lies offering ample scoring opportunities in Johannesburg.

“I’m really happy,” the 21-year-old, who made birdies on the second, third, fourth, fifth, ninth, 14th and 15th, said.

“I wanted to play even though I shot a 10 under yesterday and it is always difficult to follow up on a low round. I’m really proud of the way I played today.

“I’m very pleased that I came to the Joburg Open. I had my visa but it has been a very long season so I was contemplating if I wanted to come here. I’m really happy that I did!

“I want to stay within myself and play against my course. I have a good lead but you saw some low scores today. Anyone can shoot a seven or eight under par. I need to stay calm and hit the right shots.” Tapio Pulkkanen slipped to a 73 to give up the lead