Sterne storms ahead

Richard Sterne had a golden opportunity to end his barren run on the European Tour after pulling clear of Trevor Fisher Junior in the final round of the Joburg Open.

Sterne, the champion here in 2008 but without a win since December of that year following prolonged injury trouble, kept pace with his fellow overnight leader early on, recording birdies at the first two holes in reply to Fisher Junior's opening eagle.

The latter then dropped a shot at the third before Sterne assumed control, making up ground at the sixth and seventh as Fisher Junior recorded successive bogeys.

Another birdie ensured Sterne entered the inward nine boasting a five stroke lead on 24 under.

After making up ground at the ninth, Fisher Junior subsequently double bogeyed 11 to slip into the chasing pack.

Charl Schwartzel moved into second on 18 under, but Sterne appeared to have the tournament in his grasp.