Mexican golfer Luis Carrera goes into FBC Zim Open’s Championship Sunday with a one stroke advantage over Austin Bautista from Australia on overall 14 – under par with one round to play.
Carrera shot a third round score of 69 on Saturday to ensure a slender advantage in his bid to become the first non South African winner of the tournament since 2000 when Zimbabwean Mark McNulty claimed it.
Earlier in the tournament Carrera had carded 66 and 67 in the first two rounds.
It is Carrera’s first tournament since winning at the Sunshine Tour Q school in April
“Today I didn’t play as good, I didn’t hit great shots, so it was a little tougher, but around the greens was pretty good, so that helped me,” he said after the third round.
“I mean, I think that was the goal to win the tournament, I mean I’ve been playing really good. But yeah, Q School was a great win, and I think if I play good I can be in contention to win Zim Open so I’m glad I’m playing good,” added Carrera.
This year’s event will see a new champion crowned, as the defending champion, Michael Hollick, missed the cut.
Bautista, in second place, carded an impressive 66 on Saturday, bringing his overall score to 13 – under par 203.
Viljoen shot a 70 on Saturday and now sits at an overall 12 – under par 204 as the competition for the top prize at Royal Harare intensifies before the final round.
Local favourite Robson Chinhoi has kept himself in the top 10 in the second and third round and at 5 – under par 211 is nine shots off the lead.
Chinhoi is tied for ninth place with Stefan Wears-Taylor and Jean Hugo.
Visitor Mapwanya also shot 72 in the third round and is at 2 – under par 214, while Stuart Krog is at 1 – under par 215 following a third-round 71.
Tonderai Masunga and Muyambo are tied at level-par-216 after rounds of 71 and 73 respectively on Saturday.
Shaahid Mahmed is at 3 – over par 219, one stroke ahead of Ryan Cairns at 4 – over par 220.
