Mopani Zambia Open champion, Stuart Krog, fired a brilliant nine-under-par 61 in the second round of the Lowveld Pro-Am at Triangle Golf Course yesterday to open a commanding five-stroke lead at 13-under-par heading into today's final round.
The 30-year-old Zimbabwean, who captured his maiden Sunshine Tour title at the Zambia Open just two weeks ago, began the day tied for second and one stroke behind overnight leaders Visitor Mapwanya and Stephen Ferreira.
Krog produced a masterclass during an inspired round, carding two eagles, seven birdies, and just two bogeys.
"I am pretty pleased with my second round," Krog said after his round.
"I felt like I played the same kind of golf yesterday (Friday) but I just managed to make a few more putts. But I have been playing good golf and I am trying to stick to that. You never really expect a 9-under-par, but you will take it. It was fun anyway".
Zambian golfer, Sydney Wemba, enjoyed an action-packed day to claim solo second place. He managed a second-round four-under-par, sinking nine birdies against five bogeys, to close the day at eight-under-par overall.
Overnight co-leader Visitor Mapwanya slipped to third place at seven-under-par for the tournament.
He managed five birdies, a bogey, and a double bogey to card a two-under-par 70.
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Meanwhile, Portuguese golfer Stephen Ferreira remained steady in fourth place at five-under-par overall after shooting an even-par second round.
Veteran Zimbabwean golfer, Ryan Cairns, made a major move up the leaderboard, shooting an impressive four-under-par second round to jump into fifth place at four-under-par for the tournament.
It was also a historic day for the amateurs in the field, led by a dream performance from Vincent Chidambazina.
Following an opening-round 73, Chidambazina shot a spectacular four-under-par yesterday to comfortably make the cut in sixth place at three-under-par overall, making him the highest-ranked amateur heading into Sunday.
Fellow amateur Elton Zulu also secured his weekend spot, fighting through a three-over-par round to finish the day tied for 19th place overall at three-over-par.
Bankrolled by Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe and their corporate partners, the US$60 000 tournament stands as the second-biggest golf event in the country.
As the front-runner, Krog is now putting distance between himself and the field as he eyes the US$6 000, while the third-place finisher will earn US$4 500.
The final round today will be played at Hippo Valley Estates Golf Course
