Just 12 months ago, Sharma had the world at his feet when he became the fifth Indian to win the prestigious Asian Tour Order of Merit. But since then, the 23-year-old has found success hard to come by as he relinquishes his merit crown to Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond.

By his own admission, Sharma conceded it has been a lacklustre season with only his recent results in Italy and Turkey helping to bring back some cheers. 

A good result at the Heritage Golf Club where he finished tied-27th in his AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open debut in 2017 would restore that much needed confidence as he closes his season on the Indian Ocean island.

“It has been a mixed season to be honest but that’s how it is and that’s golf. Mauritius is a beautiful place and I hope to end my last event for the year with a good result,” Sharma said.

“It has been a mixed season to be honest but that’s how it is and that’s golf. Mauritius is a beautiful place and I hope to end my last event for the year with a good result.” – Shubhankar Sharma

Bangladeshi Siddikur Rahman is also determined to end the year with a flourish. With a proud record at the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open where he finished second in 2016, Siddikur is hopeful of winning again for the first time since his last victory on the Asian Tour in 2013.

“I finished second in 2016 and although I didn’t win, it was a huge learning curve for me. I wouldn’t say I was disappointed but that result just showed me what I could have done better and how to compose myself better mentally. If another chance like that comes along my way again, I’ll definitely grab it. I’m hungry and want to win again soon,” Siddikur said.

Philippines’ Miguel Tabuena, who finished tied-fifth at the Heritage Golf Club in 2017, is confident he can rise to the occasion again as he goes in search for his third win on the Asian Tour this week.

“I know this course pretty well and this is the third time I’m playing here … I always want to win and I believe it’s coming soon. With the way I’m playing now, I believe it’s possible,” Tabuena said.

The AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open was inaugurated in 2015 and was the first tournament to be tri-sanctioned by the Asian Tour, Sunshine Tour and European Tour.