Eddie Pepperell fired three birdies and one bogey for a 69 to retain a share of the lead at 11-under at the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open.
“The way I’m managing my game, the way the conditions are, if you offered me that ball-striking tomorrow I would take it, weighted towards better driving, because I think I can get round here in three, four, five under par managing myself and my game well and that could be enough in windy conditions,” said the Englishman.
“But I would like to see my irons a bit more where I want them.
“Three under is a good round.”
South African Dylan Naidoo started the day three shots behind the lead and produced eight birdies, five of them in-a-row from the 3rd, as well as two bogeys to close with a 66 and take the lead before Pepperell joined him with a putt at the 18th.
“I tend to like drivers’ golf courses where good driving can set you up nicely,” said Naidoo. And my iron play has been really good lately and I found the putter today. So it was a good day.
“I was a little bit worried coming into the week, more than anything, and I’m just happy with how it’s gone so far.
“We still have 18 holes to play. There’s still a long way to go. I’m excited to be in this position – I’ve never been here before. I’ve been in and abouts on the Sunshine Tour before.
“I’m excited and I’m just going to take it all in and play myself; play as well against myself as I can.”
Danish rookie Jacob Skov Olesen lies in third place at 10-under with a 69 featuring six birdies and three bogeys.
South African Javan Rebula carded a bogey-free 67 to move into fourth place at 9-under followed in fifth at 8-under by compatriot Jayden Schaper who made one bogey for a 68 and American Corey Shaun who signed for a 66 after making two bogeys.
