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Matthieu Pavon ends wait for win at Open de Espana in Madrid

Matthieu Pavon with the trophy
Matthieu Pavon with the trophy

Matthieu Pavon coasted to his breakthrough DP World Tour win in his 185th start with a four-shot wire-to-wire victory at the Open de Espana in Madrid.

The 30-year-old Frenchman, runner-up at this event last year, began the final round with a two-stroke lead and four birdies in his first seven holes - compared to nearest challenger Nathan Kimsey's three - saw him extend his advantage by the turn.

Three birdies in his next four gave him a huge cushion and Kimsey was only able to reduce the lead by one by the time they reached the last allowing Pavon, whose father Michel played for Real Betis, a stress-free stroll down the 18th as he finished 23 under.

"That was a very long wait. Seven years on tour and I didn't have a win yet. But it really was worth it," said a tearful Pavon, who carded only three bogeys all week after signing for a 64, in his post-round interview.

"A part of my heart is here in Spain. My grandfather lived here. It was really hard to keep the tears inside but now I can let it go a little bit."

Kimsey was pipped to second place on the final green as South African Zander Lombard birdied for a 64, while the Englishman could only make par.

Germany's Marcel Siem had to hole his chip from the rough for a round of 59, but raced it past and could only par the driveable 324-yard last so had to settle for a 10-under-par 61 which propelled him into a share of fourth on 17 under.

World number three and home favourite Jon Rahm made a late charge through the field with six birdies in his first eight holes, but lost momentum after the turn and carded a 64 to finish on 14 under

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