The pair sit atop the leaderboard on 16-under-par after three rounds, one shot clear of France’s Alexander Levy and two ahead of in-form South African Jayden Schaper, setting up a compelling finale at La Réserve Golf Links.

Jarvis has been a picture of consistency all week, leading or sharing the lead since the opening round and doing enough on Saturday with a solid 68 to retain his position. The 21-year-old arrived in Mauritius buoyed by a red-hot run on the Sunshine Tour, where he has claimed two wins in his last three starts, and he believes that form has prepared him for the biggest opportunity of his young career.

Casey Jarvis. Photo: Sunshine Tour

“I love it. I’ve won two events on the Sunshine Tour and that gives me confidence for this final round,” Jarvis said.

“I’m really looking forward to it, and to being in the final group on the DP World Tour for a change. It’s going to be fun.”

While Jarvis held steady, Gerard made the biggest move of day three. The American surged through the field with a superb 63, highlighted by a blistering back nine of 30, to draw level at the top and firmly insert himself into the title conversation.

“I made the most of an opportunity to go and get it today,” Gerard said. “I’m looking forward to the challenge. My caddie, JP, said we’re coming here to have fun, but not just to whack it around – we’re coming here with intent.”

For Gerard, Sunday carries significant implications beyond the trophy. Victory would likely propel him into the top 50 of the Official World Golf Ranking, securing a coveted invitation to The Masters at Augusta National next April.

“That’s the reason I flew a long way to come here and hopefully punch a ticket to The Masters. That’s the goal,” he said.

Ryan Gerard. Photo: Sunshine Tour

“Competing in pressure situations is the most fun you can have as a professional golfer. I’m someone who loves competing and hates losing. If I win, I’m sure I’ll have a chance to go and play at Augusta National come April.”

Despite sharing the lead, Gerard was quick to acknowledge the dangers lurking just behind them on a course that has shown it can punish any lapse in concentration.

Levy is one of the chief threats, just a single stroke adrift and playing some of the best golf of his career, while Schaper arrives with momentum and belief after last week’s victory at the Alfred Dunhill Championship. The South African produced another confident round on Saturday to stay firmly in contention.

“You want to be in the mix on the final day,” Schaper said. 

“I just had so much fun out there and it was nice to make a move up the leaderboard.”

With multiple storylines converging at the top and a tightly packed chasing group, the stage is set for a dramatic final round in Mauritius as Jarvis and Gerard attempt to turn shared leadership into a career-changing win.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek