Zambia’s Dominic Musonda has put himself within touching distance of the Johnnie Walker Uganda Amateur Open title after opening up a commanding six-stroke lead ahead of Friday’s final round at Uganda Golf Club, Kitante.

Musonda produced another assured display on Thursday to move clear of compatriot Gilbert Chalwe, who had started the day at the top of the leaderboard.

With 18 holes remaining, the Zambian is firmly in control and will start the final round knowing the championship is now his to lose.

Musonda’s consistency has been the defining feature of his campaign. Through 42 holes at Kitante, he has dropped just one shot — a bogey on the second hole on Thursday — while otherwise keeping his card remarkably clean.

His control off the tee, precision with his wedges and calmness under pressure have combined to make him a difficult target for the chasing pack.

Even when he finally found trouble on the last hole, Musonda showed the composure that has characterised his tournament. After missing the fairway and finding himself deep in the forest, he produced an outstanding recovery to reach the green before narrowly missing a birdie putt on one of the tournament’s most difficult pin positions.

That escape summed up his performance so far: even when Musonda appears vulnerable, he has consistently found a way out.

His Thursday round also brought him within one stroke of the Kitante course record of 63, set by Ugandan professional Deo Akope in 2010 during an MTN Monthly Mug professional event. Kenya’s left-hander Richard Ainley later equalled the mark.

Although Musonda came close to rewriting the record, his bigger achievement was extending his advantage at the top of the championship standings.

Chalwe remains his closest challenger after carding a one-under-par 71, but the Zambian now has a six-shot deficit to overcome on the final day.

First-round leader Joseph Kasozi is a further five strokes behind Chalwe as his title challenge lost momentum at a crucial stage of the championship.

Uganda’s hopes are led by Juma Abiti, John Musiimenta and Joseph Cwinya-ai, who occupy positions inside the top six alongside another Zambian, Musamba Kapoma.

Cwinya-ai provided one of the day’s brightest performances, firing a three-under-par 69 after making eight birdies. The round revived his challenge and underlined the experience that has made him one of the tournament’s notable contenders.

But all eyes will be on Musonda when the championship reaches its climax on Friday.

The Zambian has built a substantial cushion while displaying a level of consistency that has given his rivals little encouragement. Unless he suffers a dramatic collapse or one of the chasing players produces an exceptional final-round charge, Musonda appears destined to complete the job and claim the Johnnie Walker Uganda Amateur Open crown.

The main Open concludes Friday at Kitante, with the tournament programme continuing next week with the PRO-AM on Tuesday.

The Johnnie Walker Uganda Amateur Open is supported by ABSA Bank, Aquafina, Medisell, Finaltus, Case Hospital, MTN, National Council of Sports, NBS, Pearl Marina, Rosefoam, Uganda Airlines, Uganda Tourism Board, Uganda Golf Club and The R&A.