Argentina's Ariel Canete topped the third round leaderboard at the Joburg Open when play was suspended just after two o'clock and called off more than three hours later because of lightning.

The 31-year old Canete birdied the ninth hole, his third of the day, to go to 12-under minutes before the hooters sounded to suspend play, tipping South Africa's Andrew McLardy into second at 11-under alongside countryman Hennie Otto.

A charging Eduardo Molinari of Italy is alone at fourth on 10th under.

The 31-year-old Canete paid tribute to a hot putter that put him in charge at the demanding East course, which is being used for the last two rounds.

"The start is not the easiest part of this course and the first three or four holes are very important. But my putter was working very well and I was a bit more relaxed towards the end and played better. I am pleased to be in a better position than when I started," Canete told reporters.

Ireland's David Higgins was unable to make up any ground on the leaders, a round of 72 leaving him eight shots off the pace.