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Luis Carrera during round three of the 2025 FBC Zimbabwe Open: Image Credit - Sunshine Tour Images

LUIS Carrera remains on course for his maiden Sunshine Tour title after retaining his one-stroke lead heading into the final round of the 2025 FBC Zimbabwe Open at Royal Harare Golf Club. The Mexican professional golfer, who clinched victory at the Sunshine Tour Qualifying School in April, posted a third round 69 on Saturday, maintaining his one-stroke advantage from the previous day. He had started the round one ahead of South African MJ Viljoen, who now trails by two shots in third place.

Carrera's third round included three birdies and one bogey on the front nine, followed by three more birdies and two bogeys after the turn, taking him to 14-under-par 202 overall. His earlier rounds were 67 and 66.

Australia’s Austin Bautista is just one stroke back at 13-under-par 203 after a sizzling 66 on Saturday, while Viljoen carded a 70 and sits at 12-under 204. The race for top honours at Royal Harare is shaping up to be an intense final-day showdown. Carrera, playing in Zimbabwe for the first time, said it was a tough day despite holding onto the lead. “I didn’t play as good. I didn’t play great shots, it was tougher but around the greens I was pretty good so that helped me. The pins were tough today, they were the toughest of the three days so it made it a little harder. "The course is great. I told myself if I play good I will be in contention to win and I am glad I playing good. I would love to come back and play in Zimbabwe if I keep my Sunshine Tour card,” said Carrera. Among the local favourites, Robson Chinhoi leads the Zimbabwean field at five-under-par 211 after a level-par third round. He shares ninth place with Stefan Wears-Taylor and Jean Hugo. Visitor Mapwanya sits on two-under-par 214 after a 72, followed by Stuart Krog at one-under 215 after a third round 71. Tonderai Masunga and Muyambo are tied on level-par 216 after rounds of 71 and 73, respectively. Shaahid Mahmed is at three-over-par 219, narrowly ahead of Ryan Cairns at four-over 220.

A total of 64 players made the cut however, all of the 11 amateurs who had qualified for the tournament missed the cut. Tee off is at 06.35 for the final round on Sunday.