His nearest challengers are fellow South African Hennie du Plessis, who signed for a 67, and Italian Francesco Laporta, who posted a 70, on ten under par.

Laporta and Du Plessis shared the lead when birdieing the 17th, only for both men to bogey the last.  Jarvis made a spectacular par at the 18th after his second shot went far right and into the hospitality area.  But sinking a 23-foot par brought the crowd to their feet. 

After the day’s play, Jarvis said it was “my greatest putt in front of my home crowd. It was such a cool moment. The home support is fantastic. I love playing here.” 

Jarvis is seeking back-to-back victories on the DP World Tour after winning in Kenya last week.

“Right now, I’m focused on winning this tournament. There are a lot of good players up on the leaderboard, and I’m just trying to stay patient, and we’ll see what happens.”

Meanwhile, Darren Fichardt proved age is just a number by being the oldest player to make the cut at this year’s event. Fichardt, 50, is heading into the final round at one under. Another man at that mark is fellow South African Hennie Otto, who is 49 years young.

Scotland’s Calum Hill lies in fourth place on eight under, while South Africans Xander Basson and Kieron van Wyk and Englishman Nathan Kimsey share fifth on seven under.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger dg