GRAND BAYIE, Mauritius — Antoine Rosner and Alfredo Garcia-Heredia confirmed the island’s vibrancy after moving to take the lead with Sammy Valimaki at the Mauritius Open on Friday.
After two rounds at Mont Chosi Le Golf on the Indian Ocean island, Rosner shot an 8-under 64 to move into a one-shot lead with Garcia-Heredia and Valimaki – a total of 10-under 134.
In the year “I like where I’m at,” said the 29-year-old Frenchman Rosner after the 2019 treble. “Once you finish the course, you’re completely disconnected… This is perfect for me. My girlfriend is here, it’s very exciting for us.”
Spain’s Garcia-Heredia, 40, made seven birdies and one bogey in his 66.
“When I can fish later or early in the morning, it relaxes me,” he said. “It’s going well, I’m playing well, I’m doing well.”
Rosner had eight birdies and it was one of the few times in his career that he was “happy with every point on every hole.”
Valimäki was the overnight leader after a course-record 62, but the Finn’s second-round 72 mixed five birdies with three bogeys and a double-bogey.
South African Oliver Baker (71) is one shot off the lead, while the trio of Casey Jarvis (67), Christopher Bring (69) and Pierre Pineau (71) are more strokes back.
Three of the previous five tournaments were decided by knockout. The event has been canceled for the past two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
