Fleetwood Up by One in Volvo Golf Champions


England's Tommy Fleetwood shot a 3-under 69 to take a one-stroke lead entering the final round of the Volvo Golf Champions. The 36-player European Tour event began Thursday at Durban Golf Club in South Africa.

The 22-year-old Fleetwood stands at 10-under 206, a shot ahead of Frenchman Victor Dubuisson, who also shot 69, and Joost Luiten of The Netherlands (70), and two in front of defending champion Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa (71).

Fleetwood, Luiten and Oosthuizen began the third round sharing the lead, but there weren't many fireworks on the Durban course, which is playing tough this week. "It's a tough a course as it is but obviously when you're not quite on your game it turns into a very, very difficult course," Fleetwood told Europeantour.com.

"I played four or five really good holes, but obviously the rest of it, I struggled. You miss your tee shots you're always going to struggle for pars. I made one bogey but the bogey was always coming at some point, so I was quite cool and calm at the end of it.

"Three-under around this golf course, when you're not on your game is an absolutely brilliant score, and so I think it's showing that I'm maturing as a golfer and I can actually score when I'm playing bad, which is one of the most important parts of being a professional golfer.

"Knowing that you can win and thinking you can are miles apart . . . All we want to do is win golf tournaments. That's the best reason to win, you beat everybody over the week and it just gives you so much joy. It would mean a lot obviously, and first tournament of the year, and I haven't played for five weeks - I would be in a very happy way if I could come away with the trophy tomorrow."

Three strokes behind Fleetwood is Branden Grace (68), while four behind are Jamie Donaldson (68) and Raphael Jacquelin (70). England's Paul Casey carded Saturday's low round, a 7-under 65, to jump into a tie for 10th at 212.

The only American in the limited field, Peter Uihlein, has posted rounds of 70, 78 and 70 and is tied for 27th place.

For all the scores, visit http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2014/tournamentid=2014001/leaderboard/index.html.