Darren Clarke continued his spirited fightback on the third day of the South African open after his disappointing first-round 74, following up his 67 yesterday by moving to three under after 15 holes.

Lee Westwood is not getting his hopes up at the South African Open despite putting himself well in contention at the halfway stage in Paarl.

Fabrizio Zanotti carded an eight-under-par 64 to lead the South African Open after the first day of competition at the Pearl Valley Golf Estates.

Rory McIlroy has made an encouraging start at the South African Open as he continues his bid to remain in the world's top 50.

Darren Clarke was one of the few big-name players to suffer in the opening round of the South African Open in Paarl today after his five bogeys and three birdies through 15 holes left him at two over par.

Oliver Wilson will begin the final round of the South African Airways Open with a one shot lead after his 67 on day three left him on four under-par for the championship.

James Kingston moved to the top of the leaderboard at the South African Airways Open to head the field by one stroke after a three-under-par round of 69.

Robert Rock overcame gusty conditions at the Pearl Valley Golf Estates on Thursday to lead the South African Airways Open after a solid opening round in Paarl.

Robert Rock continued to lead the South African Airways Open on Thursday afternoon with Neil Schietekat hot on his heels at the Pearl Valley Golf Estates.