John Parry started the day five shots behind the lead and fired a final-round 64 featuring an eagle at the par-5 12th, seven birdies and a bogey at the par-4 9th to reach 14-under and win the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open by two shots.
“It was a bit of a challenging week all week but that chip-in on the 12th really just gave me a bit of momentum for the rest of the round. So that was a real key moment,” said Parry.
“That eagle there just got me a little spark, with a couple of good chances coming up. And I just really didn’t miss a shot coming in so that was really key.”
This second DP World Tour title comes 14 years after his first at the 2010 Vivendi Cup. He has been on form this year with three wins on the European Challenge Tour.
“It’s massive,” said Parry. “I don’t know how long ago – five or six years ago – I was back on the EuroPro Tour and I was close to giving up golf after winning when I was 23 out here.
“So it’s been a long battle back but worth every moment for this week.”
The Englishman finishes top of the Opening Swing Rankings, making him exempt into all ‘Back 9’ tournaments.
Overnight co-leader Dylan Naidoo made three bogeys in his first four holes and recovered with four birdies in the next seven. However, he then parred his way to the end for a 71 and a share of second place at 12-under alongside fellow South African Christo Lamprecht who carded a bogey-free 65.
Jovan Rebula, also of South Africa, made six birdies and four bogeys for a 70 and solo fourth place at 11-uder.
England’s Eddie Pepperell who had held the lead or a share of the lead since the first round made two birdies and two bogeys, as well as a double bogey at the par-5 5th for a 74 and finished T9 at 9-under.
