Justin Harding overtakes Oliver Bekker to gain advantage going into final round

Where to watch

Sky Sports Golf, 10am Sunday

Story so far

Thunder has impacted a golf tournament in South Africa for the second consecutive week, with the third round of the South African Open curtailed early on Saturday afternoon.

Better weather is forecast for Sunday so the final day at Gary Player Country Club is due to consist of the completion of round three, with a resumption at 7am local time (5am UK and Ireland), then the entirety of round four.

The chances of 72 holes appear high, with the forecast for only a short storm of around an hour at about midday local time.

The play which did take place on Saturday went emphatically the way of Justin Harding, who has gone from an ante-post 25-1 chance to 13-10 market leader.

Oliver Bekker started the day with a three-shot lead, but Harding led by a shot through 13 holes before the third round was suspended.

Leaderboard
-11 Justin Harding (through 49 holes)
-10 Daniel van Tonder (49), Oliver Bekker (49)
-9 Hennie du Plessis (49)
-8 Neil Schietekat (49)

Best prices
13-10 J Harding, 5-2 D Van Tonder, 7-2 O Bekker, 7 H Du Plessis, 16 N Schietekat, 66 bar

Final-round preview

Oliver Bekker could not get a putt to drop in round three of the South African Open, allowing Justin Harding to overtake, and two-time European Tour champion Harding has become clear favourite.

Harding, winner of the 2019 Qatar Masters and the 2021 Kenya Open, should be the man to beat if he carries his form from Saturday into Sunday.

Racing Post Sport's 55-1 ante-post recommendation Bekker is still very much in the hunt, but he needs to slip into the rhythm he had over the first two days. Perhaps relinquishing the lead will take some pressure off and Bekker will prefer the role of hunter on Sunday.

Harding and Bekker are preferred to Daniel van Tonder for punters looking to work on their positions. Van Tonder has been in superb ball-striking form all week, but is difficult to trust with putter in hand.

Not got a bet365 account? Sign up today and get up to £100 in bet credits

Up to £100 in Bet Credits for new customers at bet365. Min deposit £5. Bet Credits available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.

CLAIM OFFER HERE

MORE FREE BETS

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport