Ross Fisher opens up five-shot lead at Tshwane Open

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The world number 82 began the day one stroke clear of Denmark's Morten Orum Madsen and, despite bogeying the first, birdied five of the next eight holes to reach the turn in 33.

He made two more birdies on the back nine to go round in two more shots than on Friday, while Madsen carded a two-over 74 to fall back to joint-15th.

Northern Ireland's Michael Hoey is Fisher's nearest challenger after signing for a 69 on Saturday, while Simon Dyson and Carlos del Moral are tied for third, a further shot behind the Englishman.

Fisher was in buoyant mood afterwards and believes he is in the form of his life as he attempts to climb back up the world rankings.

"I feel like I'm playing as good as I ever have, probably similar to when I was contending in majors and getting myself into the Ryder Cup team," he said.

"If I were to win here it would be a massive confidence boost and a step in the right direction. My primary goal is to get back in the top 50 - I've been there before and I feel like I belong there.

"I got to 17 in the world because of my major performances, but like a few other guys I had a big comedown after the Ryder Cup having achieved the second pinnacle of golf outside of winning a major and so early in my career.

"Maybe I suffered a bit from 'Ryder Cupitis', as I called it.

"You see guys like Henrik Stenson who got to the top of the game, disappeared, came back, disappeared, and now he's back where he belongs."

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