Morrison defies storms to seize lead while Woods shows flashes of old self

Morrison collected five birdies and two bogeys over the more difficult Serapong course to edge ahead of fellow overnight leader Molinari.

The Italian was two under for the day through 10 holes when play was suspended on account of the light following a delay of almost three hours due to lunchtime thunderstorms.

Morrison said: “This golf course is definitely harder and it can be tough coming from an easier course onto a tougher layout.

“There are some very demanding tee shots out there and it is just a proper golf course, quite demanding in many ways. I didn’t play as well today as I did yesterday but I managed to get it round and I am pretty happy with that, especially with a four-under back nine to finish strongly.”

Phil Mickelson was two under par through 12 holes but Padraig Harrington looked set to miss out, the Irishman one over for the tournament with five holes to play.

Sheffield’s Danny Willett added a 71 to his opening 69 and was teetering on the cut line at two under.

Despite a 69 yesterday Harrogate’s John Parry looked set to miss the cut, while Malton’s Simon Dyson was one under after 13 and in need of a couple of birdies this morning if he is to make the final rounds.

Tiger Woods began the third round of the Australian Open overnight in possession of the halfway lead.

The former world No 1, who has not won a tournament since the 2009 Australian Masters, produced a sizzling round of five-under-par 67 yesterday to lead a world-class field at The Lakes.