Pavan tops Praegant in playoff for first Challenge Tour win

Published November 20, 2014

Andrea Pavan defeated Florian Praegant on the third playoff hole Sunday to win the Norwegian Challenge.

Pavan and Praegant both took advantage when overnight leader James Hepworth stumbled to a four-over 76 in the final round. Pavan, who shot a two-under 70 on Sunday, and Praegant, who recorded a three-under 69, both finished at nine- under 279 to head to the playoff.

After matching scores for the first two holes, Pavan birdied the third playoff hole following an excellent approach. He made birdie, and Praegant managed only a bogey to finish second.

It was Pavan's first win on tour.

"I holed some crucial putts today, especially on the 18th to make par and get in the playoff," Pavan said. "Both days this weekend I've played well on the back nine. And to make two birdies in the playoff was great."

Chris Doak and Andrew McArthur shared third place with matching eight-under 280 finishes, while Simon Thornton was fifth at seven-under.

Hepworth slipped all the way into a share of sixth with James Heath and Joakim Lagergren at minus-six.

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