Lawrence in line for win

Thriston Lawrence put himself on course for victory in his home South African Open after a thirdround 67 on Saturday. Lawrence maintained his two-stroke lead from overnight with a second consecutive round of 5 under par, finishing the Blair Atholl course with a sixth birdie. Lawrence has two European tour wins; the Joburg Open a year ago and the European Masters in August. He won the latter on the first playoff hole after starting the last round with a three-shot lead. Clement Sordet of France was his nearest challenger at 16 under.