Shubhankar Sharma’s promising start at the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open unraveled late on a demanding first round at the La Reserve Links, with the Indian finishing two-over par after dropping three shots across the final two holes.
Fresh from regaining his DP World Tour card at Qualifying School, Sharma battled windy, rainy conditions throughout the day and was one under through 13 holes before a bogey and a double bogey on the 16th derailed his round. He carded a 74 and is tied 71st on the leaderboard.
“I knew the conditions were going to be tough… this is an amazing course — scenic and challenging,” Sharma said, reflecting on the tricky seaside layout during hosting for only the second time.
Jarvis and Jamieson Lead the Way
South Africa’s Casey Jarvis and Scotland’s Scott Jamieson emerged as joint leaders after the opening round, each shooting a five-under-par 67. Both players coped well with the blustery weather, combining birdies and a mix of other scoring results to top the clubhouse.
Jarvis’ card featured two eagles and four birdies, while Jamieson produced eight birdies despite a bogey and a double bogey.
They hold a one-shot advantage over a group of six players — including 2017 champion Dylan Frittelli and notable contenders such as Herman Loubser, Alexander Levy, Brandon Stone, Ryan Gerard, and Manuel Elvira — all sitting at four under.
Testing Conditions Shape Leaderboard
Only 33 players managed to break par on the rain-soaked, wind-tossed course, underscoring La Reserve’s challenge. Other players just behind the leading pack include last week’s Alfred Dunhill Links winner Jayden Schaper, along with Joakim Lagergren, Andreas Halvorsen and MJ Daffue, each finishing their rounds at three under.
As the tournament progresses, the leaderboard remains tight and poised for shifts as weather and form continue to play pivotal roles.
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