Mexican debutant Luis Carrera is still in contention for his maiden Sunshine Tour victory as he leads the 2025 FBC Zimbabwe Open heading into today's final round at Royal Harare Golf Club.
His one-stroke advantage is over Australian Austin Bautista.
The Mexican golfer, who secured victory at the Sunshine Tour Qualifying School in April, recorded a third round score of 69 yesterday.
This allowed him to maintain his top position, having started Saturday with a one-stroke lead over MJ Viljoen.
Viljoen now occupies the third spot, trailing Carrera by two shots.
Carrera's front nine included three birdies and one bogey. He continued his round with three more birdies and two bogeys on the back nine, ultimately securing the overall lead in the inaugural tournament of the 2025/26 Sunshine Tour season.
His overall score stands at 14 under par 202, with round scores of 67, 66, and 69.
Bautista, in second place, carded an impressive 66 yesterday, bringing his overall score to 13 - under par 203.
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Viljoen shot a 70 on Saturday and now sits at an overall 12 - under par 204 as the competition for the top prize at Royal Harare intensifies before the final round.
Carrera continues to impress and acknowledged that his Saturday round wasn't his best.
He described it as a challenging day, noting that this is his first time playing in Zimbabwe and his first visit to the country.
“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 players, Zimbabwe's Robson Chinhoi leads the way at 5 - under par 211 after a level-par third round.
Chinhoi is tied for ninth place with Stefan Wears-Taylor and Jean Hugo.
Visitor Mapwanya also shot 72 in the third round and is at 2 - under par 214, while Stuart Krog is at 1 - under par 215 following a third-round 71.
Tonderai Masunga and Muyambo are tied at level par along after rounds of 71 and 73 respectively on Saturday.
Shaahid Mahmed is at 3 - over par 219, one stroke ahead of Ryan Cairns at 4 - over par 220.
A total of 64 players made the cut.
This year's event will see a new champion crowned, as the defending champion, Michael Hollick, missed the cut.
