The Debrief: 2020 Aphrodite Hills Cyprus Showdown

Another first time winner in Cyprus, professionals enjoy new format, Joël Stalter's ace and Rikard Karlberg's impressive moustache.

Everything you need to know from an entertaining week in Paphos.

MacIntyre's maiden win

Robert MacIntyre had been a picture of consistency all week at Aphrodite Hills Resort, comfortably finishing in the pack as the field was cut to 32 and then 19 players after rounds two and three. He finished in a tie for third over this layout last week at the Cyprus Open after a closing 65, and he went one shot better seven days later to finish at seven under, a stroke clear of Japan's Masahiro Kawamura. MacIntyre claimed the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year Award last season as he finished 11th on the Race to Dubai Rankings presented by Rolex, with three runner up finishes and a further four top tens. This 2020 campaign has not been as fruitful with only one finish in the top ten, but he became the 12th first time winner on the European Tour season in Paphos.

Thumbs up to format change in Cyprus

Cyprus hosted its maiden European Tour event last week and despite familiar surroundings for many of the players, they still had to get to grips with the new format at the Aphrodite Hills Cyprus Showdown. The first two rounds was the usual strokeplay but the cut mark was reduced to 32 players and ties to make the weekend. The scores would then reset to par for round three, with the top 16 and ties on the leaderboard going on to make round four. The scores were reset once again as the final 19 players took on the layout one final time, with MacIntyre prevailing at seven under par. And the innovative format was a hit for the professional and fans. Event winner MacIntyre said: "This week the format suited me and we took it out." David Horsey asked his followers on social media to a positive response.

Saturday morning drama

A lightning delay caused the second round to run into Saturday, meaning 23 of the 105 man field returned to the course at 7.00am to try to keep their place - or make their way - into the top 32 and ties that would contest round three with the scores reset. Englishman Marcus Armitage had five holes to complete and he made a quickfire birdie on the 14th before making another gain on the par five last to ensure he lived to fight another day, getting to that magical mark of six under. "The pressure there; it felt like we were coming down the stretch in contention if I’m honest," said the Englishman. And Stalter - who parred his three holes in the morning to make the third round - said: "Even this morning, I was more nervous than I’ve been in a very long time. It gets in your head, you’re playing well, you’re on the mark, you have three holes left in the second round."

Campillo's course record

Jorge Campillo needed to finish his second round on Saturday but it was worth the wait for the two time European Tour winner. The Spaniard was seven under through 15 holes before he returned to the course in the early hours and rolled in birdies at the 17th and 18th. The last gain saw Campillo card a nine under 62 and set a new course record and a place in round three. He went on to finish third overall.

Stalter's ace in the pack

The Frenchman enjoyed a hole-in-one on Friday when he successfully chased the ace at the par three fifth. With the green bowling back towards the pin, Stalter pitched his tee shot perfectly before rolled carefully into the cup. We are sure fiancée Flora, who was his caddie in Cyprus, will take the credit for the effort!

Karlberg's charitable tache

Karlberg fired a five under round to sit one off the lead, but the Swede is also doing his bit to promote men's health issues by sporting a fine moustache in aid of Movember.