Former US Open champions set for afternoon shoot-out
Retief Goosen carded a third-round 63 to close the gap on overnight leader Ernie Els in the South African Open to just one shot.
Els shot a round of 64, with just 17 holes being used at the Durban Country Club due to the par-three fourth hole being rendered unplayable, to move on to 19-under overall.
He now faces what is looking like a straight fight with his fellow countryman and two-time former winner Goosen, who trailed by two shots overnight.
The tournament, already heavily affected by rain after persistent showers forced most of day one to be abandoned, experienced more trouble when a sharp downpour made the fourth green unplayable.
It means that instead of playing 36 holes, only 34 will be played in what is now a 70 hole competition at the normally par 72 course.
Solid
And Els and Goosen will be difficult to catch as both looked in fine form.
Goosen, like Els a two-time US Open winner, said: "We're both playing solid, there were a couple of bad holes out there and also some good holes. Hopefully we can keep it going."
Current Open champion Louis Oosthuizen is the closest to them after a five under 64 took him to 15 under, while another rising South African star, Charl Schwartzel, is on 13 under following his 66.
Three players are a further shot back - Martin Maritz (65) as well as French duo Victor Riu (65) and Romain Wattel (68).
