Connor Syme defies windy conditions to close in on maiden DP World Tour title

Syme went into the third round five shots off Brown's overnight lead, but as those in the final groups struggled on another windy day in South Africa, the 28-year-old posted a stunning 67 which contained seven birdies and two bogeys to earn a share of the lead on 11 under par.

It was a different story for Brown, who began the day with a three-shot cushion which was trimmed to one stroke at the turn, before three bogeys in the first four holes of his back nine dropped him back to eight under.

He staged a remarkable fightback, though, producing back-to-back birdies at the 14th and 15th before finishing his round with another at the last to sign for a level-par 72.

Englishman Andy Sullivan shot a flawless 66 which contained two eagles and two birdies to sit alongside South African Robin Williams and American James Nicholas in a tie for third on nine under.

Syme, who has three second-placed finishes to his name on the DP World Tour, said: "I'm really pleased. I putted really nicely today. It's always tricky in that breeze to do that, judging your pace from distance and stuff like that.

"I was here last year as well so it was definitely one I'd earmarked to come back down to, to have another go at it this year.

"It's a really cool part of the world and I'm happy to be back."

Brown, who only arrived at the host venue in Eastern Cape on Wednesday afternoon following significant travel disruption, said: "It was a little bit stressful at times but I didn't play too dissimilar to the last couple of days, to be honest.

"There's an element of luck out there. Because it's so windy, you've got to pick the right moments to hit your shot.

"I still feel good and hopefully I'll have a good day tomorrow."

READ MORE: 'Who knows?' - Rory McIlroy hints at shock move to LIV Golf amid changing landscape