A philosophical Padraig Harrington said Andrea Pavan's brilliance swung the Czech Masters after the Dubliner's three-stroke lead evaporated on the back nine in Prague.
Italian Pavan claimed his first win on the European Tour as five birdies after the turn got him home in a five-under par 67 which was enough to earn a two-stroke tournament win on 22 under.
Harrington was still in control on 15th tee, holding a two-shot lead, but a wobble at the climax, coupled with Pavan's hot streak, cost him victory.
"It was a good contest, no doubt about it," three-time Major winner told Sky Sports. "I obviously don't feel like I lost it, Andrea won it for sure.
Well done @AndreaPavan89. You played great golf down the stretch but also you were an easy and sporting partner to play with it. Make time to enjoy your success.
— Padraig Harrington (@padraig_h) August 26, 2018
"He played great coming home and holed the decisive putts. I get my fair share of wins but it wasn't my day today.
"I don't feel I have an issue playing against these younger guys, I feel I can certainly keep up with them and I have some good things in my own game. Even from a week like this, you learn more when you get in contention."
Harrington remained upbeat after a weekend in which he produced some outstanding golf.
Although he missed out his first tournament win since the Portugal Masters in 2016, there were many positives to take.
"I'm seeing things about my game that I can improve and work on," he added.
"I'm in a nice place, I just have to keep doing the good stuff and hopefully there'll be more tournaments like this ahead."
Class act 👏🏻@padraig_h signing autographs after his second place finish. pic.twitter.com/Ixg1oAXTdz
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) August 26, 2018
