Anthony Takes Lead to the Final Round as Rock Stumbles in South Africa

Anthony Michael may have a one shot lead, but he won’t be the betting favourite as he looks to close out his first career win on the European Tour at the Alfred Dunhill Championship.

Michael posted a 71 on Saturday to sit at (-10) as he’s now shot three straight rounds under par at the Leopard Creek Country Club in Malelane.

It certainly has been a dream week, thus far, for the world’s 890th ranked player and if he can lock up the win on Sunday it will undoubtedly be a career changer.

With the win, Michael would secure his European Tour card for the 2011 season where he would ply his trade against the world’s best week in and week out.

It made no sense to put much confidence in the young South African over the first 36 holes, but seeing as he has made 17 birdies in 54 holes there’s no reason why he doesn’t have a shot in the final round.

The bookmakers have given him a shot as he goes out second on the board at (5-2).     

Sitting in second is the betting favourite, budding young Spanish star Pablo Martin.  He’s got the pedigree be considered a sensible favourite in South Africa as the 24-year old from Malaga has already won twice on the European Tour.

Martin has been a highlight reel all week leading the field with 3 eagles, including two on the back nine Saturday to propel himself into contention.

If he can pick up on Sunday where he left off, Martin will look every bit the favourite the books seem to expect as he tees off at (9-4).

Charl Schwartzel used a 69 on Saturday to get himself back in contention and he now sits at (-7)just three off Michael’s lead.

At 39th, he’s easily the highest ranked player near the top of the leaderboard and, consequently, the books are inclined to give him a decent shot at victory as their third pick at (3-1).

Dawie Van Der Walt has never had a top-10 on the European Tour, but he hopes that changes on Sunday obviously preferring the very top of the final 10.

It’ll be a tough road if he wants to get by the likes of Martin, Schwartzel and the steady Michael, but he’s just one shot back and if he can stay close heading to the back nine anything is possible.

The bookies have give him a fighting chance as he heads to the biggest round of his professional career at (5-1).

Finally, round three leader Robert Rock has all but thrown away his chance at victory shooting a 75 on Saturday and he'll now go out in the final round at (50-1).

What other people may find in poetry or art museums, I find in the flight of a good drive  - Arnold Palmer