South Africa's Dylan Naidoo is seeking a maiden DP World Tour win as he heads into Sunday's final round of the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open, tied with Eddie Pepperell Leading the way, both men have different things to prove in the final race at Mont Choisy Le Golf. That year.
At the end of a tough day with wind and firm greens, Naidu shot an outstanding 66, birdying six of the opening seven holes to finish at 11 under.
England's Pepperell remained in the lead with a single-round score of 69.
They are both one shot ahead of Denmark's Jacob Skov Olesen, who shot 69 in the third round. South Africa's Jovan Rebula shot a 9-under 67 on Saturday to move into contention.
Naidu, a Sunshine Tour winner who has never achieved such results on the DP World Tour before, will be looking to prove to himself that he belongs at this level.
“I'm excited to be in this position,” he said. “I've been there before on the Sunshine Tour, but I've never been in this position. I'm going to take it all and fight myself as hard as I can in the final round.”
Naidu had a great front nine, but admitted he really struggled on the back nine, ultimately suffering a frustrating bogey on the final hole.
“Sometimes I have to find my inner competitor and hit a couple 12-footers to make par,” he said. “As good as the front nine was, it was just as tough as the back nine. But I'm happy with the result.”
The experienced Pepperell heads into Sunday's final round looking to regain his spot on the DP World Tour with a win after losing his playing privileges last season. He is also looking for his first win since 2018.
“I think three under is a good round,” he said. “I don't think it's easy at all. I felt like I hit the ball off the tee today, which is what you need to do with the crosswind. But to be honest, I didn't feel too good about my iron. I didn't make the putt. A lot of putts but a couple in the closing stages which was pleasing for the final round.”
“I think I can get around it at five under, which might be enough with the wind. I'm hoping to see my irons where I want them more, though.”
Photo: Sunshine Journey