Jayden Schaper's fairy-tale start to the 2026 season continued as he produced a hole-out eagle at the second play-off hole to see off Ryan Gerard and claim his second DP World Tour title in as many weeks at the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open.
The South African started the final round two shots off the lead but fired an eagle and six birdies in a flawless 64 to set the clubhouse target at 22 under par and put the pressure on American Gerard, who needed a birdie on the last to force a play-off.
And Gerard produced a shot-of-the-week contender on the 18th to make that possible, getting up and down from a tricky spot to take the contest to extra holes.
There was nothing to separate the pair at the first extra hole but Schaper chipped in for an eagle on the next in a grandstand finish to enter the winner's circle for the second week in a row following last Sunday's Alfred Dunhill Championship triumph.
Having also finished in a tie for second at the Nedbank Golf Challenge in honour of Gary Player prior to his two wins, Schaper comfortably came top of the Opening Swing standings.
Gerard, who finished alone in second after making six birdies in his closing 66, has the consolation prize of finishing the year inside the top 50 on the Official World Golf Ranking from 57th and securing an invitation to the 2026 Masters Tournament.
The 2025 Barracuda Championship winner had taken the long trip to Heritage La Réserve Golf Links with the aim of punching his ticket to Augusta National and achieved his goal with a fine performance throughout the week.
Casey Jarvis was alone in third, five shots further back after his final-round 71.
Schaper made a lightning-quick start on Sunday, making back-to-back birdies from long range at the third and fourth before holing his eagle putt from five feet on the fifth to join the lead on 18 under.
He then made a couple of important par saves to keep his card clean but trailed by two before reducing the deficit to one with a birdie at the 11th.
The 24-year-old then birdied the 15th, 16th and 18th to reach 22 under and earn a place in the play-off.
He could not find a birdie at the first extra hole but went one better at the second opportunity, holing out for a spectacular closing eagle to wrap up another win.
Schaper said: "The last three weeks have been incredible.
"I don't even know what to say. That's just such an insane way to finish a tournament.
"It's been such a great week, such an awesome place, the support, the golf course. From start to finish.
"I could not have asked for anything better. Christmas is going to be good this year, and New Year. It's just unreal.
"I wait five years for the first (title) and then the following week (to get the second) is so cool."
