Andrea Pavan pulled away from three-time major champion Padraig Harrington on the back nine at Albatross Golf Resort to claim a two-shot win at the D+D Real Czech Masters.

Pavan and Harrington entered Sunday’s finale in the Czech Republic with a share of the lead, but at the halfway point, the Irishman suddenly held a three-shot lead and appeared headed for his 16th European Tour title. Pavan, though, played his final nine holes in 31 to sign for a 67 and a four-day score of 22-under par, two clear of Harrington.

The 29-year old Italian set a new record for the event, topping Thomas Pieters’ winning score from 2015 by two strokes.

“It’s amazing, it’s massive,” said Pavan. “I’ve won four times on the Challenge Tour but it was a long time ago. I’ll enjoy this one because it’s really hard to get and I’ll just keep working on the stuff that seems to be working and enjoy the success.

“I’m going back home tomorrow and we’re having a second baby, a little girl is coming on Wednesday. We’re really excited about that and I can’t wait to celebrate with my family.”

Malaysia’s Gavin Green matched Harrington with a closing 69 to finish at 17 under, two shots clear of Scotland’s Scott Jamieson (70) and Englishman Lee Slattery (68).

FINAL TOP 5

POS-PLAYER-SCORE (TODAY)
1. Andrea Pavan -22 (-5)
2. Padraig Harrington -20 (-3)
3. Gavin Green -17 (-3)
4. Lee Slattery -15 (-4)
4. Scott Jamieson -15 (-2)

THE TROPHY