South Africa's Jacques Kruyswijk wins Magical Kenya Open crown

South Africa's Jacques Kruyswijk claimed his maiden European Tour title after holding off the challenge of Englishman John Parry to win the Kenya Open by two shots.

Kruyswijk, 32, held a one-shot lead going into the final round at Muthaiga Golf Club, but saw that disappear quickly as playing partner Parry made back-to-back birdies on the fourth and fifth.

But the South African responded with successive birdies of his own on the sixth and seventh to reclaim the lead,and never let slip after that, as he completed a bogey-free weekend, finishing the tournament on 18 under par.

He is the first South African to win the title since Justin Harding in 2021, but fell agonisingly short of his aggregate record set at the Karen Country Club.

"It's special. I'm happy that I can keep the trophy on African soil and obviously bring it back to South Africa. It makes me very proud," Kruyswijk, who is set to compete at the South African Open at the Durban Country Club said after the win.

"I'm super proud of myself with the mindset I've had this week and the way I've played this golf course. What can I say? I'm happy.”

Parry finished in solo second on 16 under, continuing an impressive start to the season that has seen him record a victory and two second-place finishes in three visits to Africa so far this campaign.

Deon Germishuys was three shots further back in third, one ahead of fellow South African Jayden Schaper in fourth.

For his win, Kruyswijk collected a top prize of Ksh. 54.4 million, with Parry winning Ksh. 35.2 million.

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Additional reporting by AFP.