Denmark's Soren Hansen fired a seven-under-par 65 to move one stroke clear of the field in the dunhill Championship third round at Houghton Golf Club, Johannesburg, today.
The Dane, who finished at 18-under 198, leads French duo Gregory Havret, after a 64, and Raphael Jacquelin, a 68.
Irishman Peter Lawrie, who began the day in second place, carded a level par 72, and currently lies six shots off the pace on 12-under.
German Marcel Siem returned a 68 to lie fourth at 16 under while Britain's Bradley Dredge, who carded a blistering nine-under-par 63, was a further shot back in fifth.
Scoring was generally low in near-perfect conditions, South African Open winner Trevor Immelman vaulting into a share of eighth with a 64 and local player Keith Horne also firing a 63 to take the early lead at 13-under 203.
Ireland's Mark McNulty carded a 68, to bring his score to eight-under-par, while Wexford man Damien McGrane returned a 71 to bring his score to four-under.