Jeev slips despite 69

Johannesburg, Jan 23: Jeev Milkha Singh shot a three-under-par 69 but slipped one place down to joint 17th going into the final round of the 1 million South African Open here. The 28-year-old Chandigarh-based pro, who shot 70 and 71 in the first two rounds, fired a fine 69, but could not improve upon his position and was tied with five others on six-under 210.Overnight joint leader South Africa8217;s Darren Finchardt warded off a stiff challenge from compatriot Des Terblanche to take sole lead after three rounds.

Fichardt 68, 67 was overtaken by Terblanche at one stage but picked up birdies at the 15th and 18th for a five-under 67 and an aggregate of 14-under 202.

Terblanche, who shot a superb 65 after returning cards of 66 and 72 in the first two rounds, was a stroke behind with another overnight leader England8217;s Paul Eales a further shot behind on 204 after a 69.

Three strokes further back at 207 were seven players including Retif Goosen, winner of the 1995 edition who carded a 68, first-round leaderWallie Coetsee 65, 71, 71 and England8217;s John Mellor, who smashed the course record with a brilliant nine-under 63.