King George claims Mauritius Open crown
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South African favourite George Coetzee defeated Thorbjorn Olesen in a play-off to claim the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open title.
Coetzee (28) lived up to his billing as the highest-ranked player in the field with straight birdies at the 18th hole, once in regulation and then twice in the play-off after the pair finished tied on -13.
The last of those was enough for victory as Olesen, who had earlier overcome an early four-shot deficit on the front nine with a round of 68, could only manage a par after missing the fairway and being forced to lay up.
Coetzee started the day one shot ahead of compatriot and playing partner Thomas Aiken as well as Dane Olesen, but pulled clear with a flying start which saw him birdie the second and third holes.
Already a winner at his home Pretoria GC course this season in the Tshwane Open, the victor paid tribute to the runner-up saying: “Thorbjorn did unbelievable well to put pressure on me the whole day and I had to work hard to catch him. I’m just happy the job is done, it doesn’t matter how many holes it takes, you just get it done.
Singapore’s Mardan Mamat birdied two of his last three holes for a 67 which left him third on -12 with Aiken fourth on -11 – one clear of England’s John Parry who tied for fifth.
It was a great weekend too for Javier Colomo who can look forward to a return trip to the scene of his historic 2nd round hole in one after registering the first ace on a par four in the history of the European, Asian and Sunshine tours.
After his final round, Colomo was presented with free accommodation for five nights at the luxurious Le Telfair at The Heritage Resort, host venue of the event, plus two free flights courtesy of Air Mauritius.
