Louis Oosthuizen leads in Morocco

South African Louis Oosthuizen is primed to end a seven-year wait for a maiden European Tour win after storming two strokes clear of the field in the Hassan II Trophy third round.

The 27-year-old followed his record-equalling 64 on the Blue Course at Dar Es Salam on Friday by compiling another 64 on the Red layout to finish on 20-under 198.

Oosthuizen, who has been second on three occasions without managing a breakthrough victory on the tour, recorded 10 birdies and one bogey on Saturday.

"I felt like I hit the ball further with most of my clubs and my putting was good again," he told reporters.

"It was nice to have 10 birdies on my card, that doesn't happen every day. I am doing a few putting drills at the moment and it seems to be working so I just have to carry on doing that."

Britain's Rhys Davies is also hoping to clinch his first win after a seven-birdie 68 left him second on 200.

Two weeks ago Davies led the Malaysian Open before ending in a share of third place.

WORLD CLASS

"I am feeling really comfortable being in position again to win for the first time," said the Welshman. "This is my second tournament on the bounce where I am right in the mix and I'm enjoying it.

"It's good to be at the top and it's good to be playing with these world class players. Hopefully I can go that little bit better than I did in Malaysia and beat them tomorrow."

Frenchman Thomas Levet (68) is tied for third on 202 with South African Thomas Aiken (67).

Levet has competed in the tournament several times and is hoping local knowledge will help him secure a sixth tour victory.

"I am excited about tomorrow as I know the course very well," he said. "I am a little bit behind but four strokes are not too much to make up.

"We were on fire today and it's amazing how low people shot but I have the game for it. My game is good, I've done it before and it's going to be difficult for some guys because they haven't won before."

- Reuters