In-form Garcia extends lead at Nedbank Golf Challenge

He won the Andalucia Valderrama Masters title last week and now, leader Sergio Garcia is 18 holes away from a Nedbank Golf Challenge victory.

Sergio Garcia, Nedbank Golf Challenge

In-form Sergio Garcia extended his lead at the Nedbank Golf Challenge to two shots in Sun City, though Louis Oosthuizen heads a tightly bunched chasing pack going into the final day.

Seeking back-to-back European Tour wins and a first triumph in a Rolex Series event, Garcia shot a one-under 71 to reach 10-under for the tournament at Gary Player Country Club.

But, the Spaniard could have been in a more comfortable position at Saturday's close, having held a four-shot lead going up the 18th, only to bogey the hole as Oosthuizen gained a stroke, causing a two-shot swing.

Home favourite Oosthuizen had been one shot adrift of Garcia after round two, but the birdie on 18 was a rare highlight in a round of 72 that nonetheless keeps him in contention.

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Garcia has won his last three events when leading after 36 holes, and eight out of 16 in total. Thomas Detry, Lee Westwood and Mikko Korhonen are in a group of three players sitting three shots adrift in a tie for third.

Detry followed up his 66 in round two with a 68 on Saturday, capped by an impressive 25-foot putt for par on the last. 

The lowest score of the day - an impressive five-under 67 that included an eagle at the 10th - saw Ross Fisher surge up the standings into sixth place, four shots behind Garcia.

A 74 from defending champion Branden Grace saw him fall out of contention at one under, while four-time major champion Rory McIlroy - aiming for a late push in the Race to Dubai standings – saw his uninspiring week continue with a one-over par 73, which leaves him at even par.