Maybin leads in south Africa

A terrible start by Lee Westwood threw the race for the South African Open wide open at Pearl Valley Golf Estates.

Westwood recorded four bogeys and a birdie through a poor opening 10 holes to slip back to 11 under par, three behind new leader Gareth Maybin of Northern Ireland.

Maybin carded four birdies and two bogeys to stand 14 under after 12 holes, one ahead of South African duo Ernie Els and Richard Sterne.

Sterne had one hole to play while Els had set the clubhouse target on 13 under after a superb 64, the lowest score of the day, boosted his chances of winning the world’s second oldest Open championship for a fifth time.

The 39-year-old, second at the halfway stage before a woeful 77 on Saturday, was back to his supreme best today with nine birdies and a solitary bogey.

It could have been even better, the world number nine three putting the par-five 18th for par.

“If I could only have holed that eagle putt at the last. Apart from that, it was a very good round of golf,” Els said.

“I was ready to play and played well today. I have had a great week. We have a great sponsor here now, a great golf course and people that are wonderful.

“The support I get here is unbelievable and I have to thank the people for that. I enjoyed it, if I can keep playing like this then I will be going in the right direction.”