Bebb leads the way in South Africa

Welshman Sion Bebb headed the Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek after shooting a five-under-par 67 at Malelane.

The 39-year-old was one shot clear of South African Omar Sandys, with three players tied on three under, including France’s Marc Farry, who shot three birdies in his opening five holes.

Early pace-setter George Coetzee was also amongst the trio, along with fellow South African Thabang Simon, while Ireland’s Stephen Browne slipped back to two under after three bogeys in the last three holes.

The Dubliner had earlier hit five consecutive birdies to storm into the lead, before his late slip-up.

After his impressive round, Coetzee – 20th on the Sunshine Tour’s Order of Merit – said: “I told myself if I could shoot anywhere near level par today I’ll be happy just as long as it wasn’t over par.

“Even one or two over par and I would have been happy as well because your have four rounds to make up the ground and the weather wasn’t that great.

“So I knew anywhere near level par and I’ll be happy today and 69 I’m a bit more happy.”

The other favourites amongst the early starters, Anton Haig lied 14th place with a one under 71, while 2004 winner Charl Schwartzel had a woeful time ending the day three over par, including a double bogey seven in the par five fifth.

Home favourite Ernie Els was level after seven holes, along with Ross Fisher, with Northern Ireland’s Darren Clarke one under after eight.

Bebb added: “(It feels) excellent – I am very happy. It’s where you want to be really and I’m pleased.

“It was very difficult out there, the first nine holes and when I started the 10th, the wind was swirling everywhere.

“I was hitting good shots, but I still thought it’s going to be a very tough day. But I just hung on in there and holed some putts.”