Matthieu Pavon secures emotional maiden DP World Tour win at Open de Espana

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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