Colsaerts powers back into contention

GEORGE: Long-hitting Belgian Nicolas Colsaerts powered his way back into contention with a four- under-par 69 in the third round of the Volvo Golf Champions tournament at The Links at Fancourt on Saturday.

Colsaerts was tied for the lead with second round leader Branden Grace on ten-under-par 209 at the end of a day when scoring soared in rain and gusting wind. Local resident Grace relinquished a four-stroke lead and struggled to a two-over 75 on what he admitted was "a long day".

South African Major winners Charl Schwartzel and Retief Goosen were tied for third on nine-under.

Masters champion Schwartzel shot a best-of-the-day 68. Spanish veteran Jose Maria Olazabal was one of only ten players to beat the par of 73, shooting 72 to be alone in fifth place despite a double bogey five on the par-three 17th.

Former British Open champions Padraig Harrington and Louis Oosthuizen were three off the pace, with Ernie Els another stroke back.

Colsaerts, who followed a course record 64 in the first round before slumping to a 76 on Friday, said: "I was really glad that I put another good round together today after yesterday. It's always difficult when you play that good on a course like this and nothing goes according to plan."

The highlight of Colsaert's round was an eagle on the downwind 502- metre par-five 18th. After what he described as "an enormous drive" he was left with an eight-iron into the green.

Conditions were much more difficult than on the first two days, although the rain ceased when the leading players were midway through their rounds.

Schwartzel said the tougher conditions favoured South African players who were familiar with The Links. (AFP)