Els off the pace in South Africa

Ernie Els failed to make the desired early impact in the third round of the Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek today.

Els began the day just three off the lead after a second round 67, but could only manage a run of five pars to remain six under par.

That left the South African, playing his second event since recovering from knee surgery, six shots off the lead held by compatriot Louis Oosthuizen.

Oosthuizen made just the start Els had been looking for, an eagle on the second and birdies on the third and sixth taking him top of the leaderboard on 12 under.

Home players were dominating with Michiel Bothma a shot behind in second and Grant Veenstra sharing third on nine under with England’s Phillip Archer.

South African Keith Horne had set the early clubhouse target on seven under after a 65, with Sweden's Mattias Eliasson also round in 65 to finish six under.