Jarvis leads into weekend of AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open

Just before the storm rolled in, Casey Jarvis caught his own bit of lightning in a bottle and signed for a 65 to lead the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open on 12 under par heading into the weekend at La Réserve Golf Links.

The young South African has given himself another shot at a maiden DP World Tour title in a career that of late is producing more consistent opportunities at this level, and on the back of his two victories in three tournaments on the Sunshine Tour in November.

His nearest challenger is France’s Alex Levy on 10 under par, while PGA TOUR winner and world number 57 Ryan Gerard of America is well placed just five shots off the lead. Gerard has come to Mauritius in the hope of a win that will shift him into the top 50 on the Official Golf World Ranking before the end of the year, and which would in turn secure him a place in The Masters next year.

But for now, it’s Jarvis who’s in control of this Sunshine Tour and DP World Tour event.

“I always love coming to Mauritius so to have started well in the first round and then to back it up with a good round today is positive,” said Jarvis, who shared the lead with Scott Jamieson after the first day.

Jarvis had the best of the early morning conditions and took advantage.

“The conditions were pretty easy. There wasn’t much wind until the last couple of holes. I’m just trying to have fun out here this week. I thought I’m in Mauritius so I might as well have fun, and it seems to be working. This is a different course that I’m used to but I like the few driveable holes out here. I just need to stay patient and stick to the same gameplan for the next two rounds.”

Levy’s 66 was equally impressive considering he didn’t drop a single shot despite playing in some of the worst weather as a heavy downpour combined with the wind to make this golf course an even tougher prospect.

“I played really solid and am very proud because the conditions were tough. I managed myself very well and am pleased with that. I’ve been working really hard the last few months and just getting back to what I used to do in the past with my swing, and it’s paying off already which is good,” he said.

Spain’s Manuel Elvira heads into the weekend on nine under par following a 67, with South Africa’s Brandon Stone on eight under.