Blomstrand was almost lost for words after a remarkable round that saw him tie Tarrio at 13-under-par, with the Spaniard carding a 64. The pair sit one shot clear of England’s Alfie Plant.

“Everything just clicked out there. I struck the ball really well and gave myself plenty of chances. A few shots even hit the pin and spun away, so it could have been even better. It was a fantastic day - I’m still a bit surprised,” said Blomstrand.

In hot and humid Durban conditions, he raised the temperature even further with a blistering display. He went out in five-under-par and then produced an even better inward nine, coming home in six-under, including three consecutive birdies to finish.

“After the turn, I told myself to stick to the same approach and see where it takes me. Then I went six-under on the back nine and even started thinking about a 59 at one stage. But this course demands your full attention - one lapse and you’re in trouble. I’m definitely feeling it now; I’m quite tired,” he added.

Tarrio, who set the early clubhouse lead, was equally satisfied with his effort.

Santiago Tarrio - Sunshine Tour

“I kept things tidy and avoided mistakes, which was key. I focused on my own game throughout. I had a bit of a foot issue last week, but it felt much better this week and allowed me to swing freely. I’ve been playing solid golf over the past few weeks, and I’m really enjoying this course and my first visit to Durban. I’ll just keep pushing over the weekend,” he said.

It was another day of low scoring, with South Africa’s Keenan Davidse surging to 11-under-par after an impressive 63. His round featured a sensational 28 on the back nine - which was his opening nine at Durban Country Club.

“I joked with my caddie that I’ve never shot something like that, even in a social round,” Davidse said. 

“My ball-striking is generally consistent - the difference is in the putting. When that clicks like it did today, everything comes together.”

The round leaves Davidse just two shots off the lead heading into the weekend, with added personal motivation driving him on.

“I found out the night before that my little boy needs an eye operation, so that definitely gave me extra motivation. It’s also my eldest’s ninth birthday on Saturday, so I’m playing for my kids this week,” he said.

Scores:

-13 - SantiagoTarrio 67 64
-13 - Christofer Blomstrand 70 61
-12 - Alfie Plant 67 65
-11 - Keenan Davidse 70 63
-11 - Oliver Bekker 65 68, Pablo Ereno 62 71
-10 - Rhys Enoch 67 67
-10 - Louis Albertse 68 66, Jean Hugo 67 67, LukeBrown 65 69
-9 - Wilco Nienaber 67 68
-9 - Calum Fyfe 70 65, Malcolm Mitchell 67 68
-8 - Pieter Moolman 66 70
-8 - Pedro Figueiredo 65 71, Austin Bautista 64 72, JulianPerico 65 71, Will Enefer 69 67
-7 - Alex Goff 70 67
-7 - Lorenzo Scalise 65 72, Kieron van Wyk 63 74, Albert Boneta 6869, Martin Vorster 68 69, James Mack 67 70

Morgan Piek OFM Sport