Jamieson gunning for Durban double

Last updated: 12th January 2013

Scotland's Scott Jamieson continued his love affair with the city of Durban by taking a five-shot lead at the Volvo Golf Champions.

After picking up his maiden European Tour title at the Nelson Mandela Championship at Royal Durban five weeks ago, Jamieson has put himself in an excellent position to repeat the feat at Durban Country Club this weekend, carding a third-round 68 to move well clear of his nearest rivals.

Overnight leader Louis Oosthuizen's form deserted him on Saturday as he slumped to a third-round 74 that dropped him down to 10 under, tied with Thongchai Jaidee, who himself struggled with a 73, and Julien Quesne, who moved up the field with a well-played 67.

But it's Jamieson who has now taken control of proceedings in Durban, taking his total to 15 under par after an eventful round that featured five birdies, an eagle and three bogeys.

"It was another great day. I didn't play as well as I did the first two days, especially tee-to-green, but managed to score well and that's the main thing," said Jamieson.

Should he go on to win tomorrow, Jamieson will be opening up all manner of exciting possibilities for himself, including a place in next month's 64-man Accenture Match Play in Arizona. Should he be in the top 50 at the end of March he will also be awarded a dream debut in the Masters at Augusta.

Quite an achievement for someone who failed in his first three attempts to survive The European Tour Qualifying School before coming through the Challenge Tour three years ago.

Of his early professional struggles, Jamieson said: "I was just in the abyss, so I guess slumming around in the lower leagues helps build your character.

"I was fortunate to keep playing when money was not necessarily being chucked at me."

Elsewhere, a superb 67 from Padraig Harrington lifted him into a tie for fifth place alongside Francesco Molinari (68) on eight under, though they are a full seven shots off Jamieson's pace with just 18 holes left to play.