PARIS: Louis Oosthuizen shot a third-round 65 on Saturday to take a one-stroke lead heading into the final round of the Mauritius Open.
The South African is 14 under par after three rounds, one shot ahead of compatriot Jacques de Villiers and Englishman Laurie Canter.
Eagles on holes five, six and 15, backed up by four birdies gave Oosthuizen his best round of the tournament thus far as he jumped into the lead going into Sunday's final round.
"I think that was the first time I ever did three eagles in one round," said Oosthuizen.
"I'm playing well so it's all going to be on how I manage myself and think process around this golf course."
De Villiers recovered from bogeys on his opening two holes to complete a 68-shot round, including five birdies and an eagle on the sixth hole.
Canter bounced back from a second-round 74 to post 65, with seven birdies and zero bogeys.
The leader going into the third round, Sweden's Sebastian Soderberg, endured a difficult day and his total of 77 dropped him down into joint-22nd place.
Former British Open champion Oosthuizen can make it back-to-back wins on the European Tour after victory at the Alfred Dunhill Championship on December 11, his first Tour win since 2018.
The Mossel Bay native also co-designed the week's layout at Heritage La Reserve Golf Club with Peter Matkovich.--AFP