Publications
Partners
Anahita - Defending champion Dylan Frittelli had a mixed day at the office after the third round of the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open.
The South African struggled on the back nine on Saturday by producing four bogeys in an otherwise satisfying round.
The 28-year-old started his third round with three consecutive birdies, as well as claiming birdies at the seventh and ninth holes to turn on 5-under for the day.
But he soon let it slip by bogeying the 12th, before an an eagle on the 13th was followed three consecutive bogeys.
Nonetheless, Frittelli scored a solid round of 4-under 68 ahead of the final day at the Four Seasons Golf Club.
Mauritius Open leaderboard - Round 3
The South African admitted that fatigue and humidity in Mauritius were reasons behind his back nine downfall, however he was not displeased overall.
"It was still a good back (nine), it was tough out there, the wind switched when I was on 12 and 13, which was pretty much every back hole onto the back nine. I sort of held it together with the birdie and an eagle but yeah not proud of the bogeys. (I) kind of kept it off the card the whole week and today they came out and got me I guess," Frittelli told Sport24.
"I got a little tired at the end, it was super humid and it was tough to stay focused and grip the club really. My hands were really sticky but it was still a good round, I'm happy with it.
"The front nine was sublime... it was really good golf... I got my head down and tried to play well on the back (nine), but it was just a different story. It was tougher there, the wind was just switching and blowing and not blowing. I handled it alright, but it can always be worse."
His countryman Justin Harding and American Kurt Kitayama share the lead on 16-under ahead of the final day, with Frittelli seven shots back on 9-under.
"I think it's only going to be one of four or five guys that can win it tomorrow but hopefully it comes back to the field the way it is, it's a tough finishing coming in. If I'm five or six shots (behind), I have a chance," he said, prior to the final group finishing their rounds.
"(I'm just going to) try and relax, it was tough out there, I probably won't practise... will just take it low and maybe get some physio. Hang by the pool and just chill out..."
Sport24 is at the AfrAsia Mauritius Open sponsored by the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority and SUN Resorts.
