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The Debrief: D+D Real Czech Masters
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The Debrief: D+D Real Czech Masters

Thomas Pieters held his nerve to claim his fourth European Tour title after he held off rising Spanish star Adri Arnaus by one shot at the D+D Real Czech Masters.

Thomas Pieters

The 27-year-old was in the winner's circle for the first time since August 2016 as the Belgian kept the chasing pack at arm's length with four birdies on the front nine, carding a final round 69 to win at Albatross Golf Resort for a second time in four years.

Here, we take a look at some of the memorable moments from an entertaining week in the Czech Republic.

Prague - Perfect for Pieters

Pieters secured his maiden win at the Prague venue in 2015 and became the first man to win this event twice this weekend courtesy of a nerveless final round of 69, which contained five birdies and two bogeys.

The 2016 Ryder Cup star came second 12 months later when defending a European Tour title for the first time and he continued his love affair in Prague by ending a three year winning drought on Sunday.

His fourth European Tour crown came in an eerily similar vein to his first at Albatross Golf Resort, entering the weekend's play at ten under before carding his best round of the week on Saturday and securing victory with a closing 69.

https://twitter.com/EuropeanTour/status/1163139295672246282

Pavan's birdie blitz on Sunday

Defending champion Andrea Pavan did his utmost to retain his title in the Czech Republic and produced a superb final round which nearly reeled in Pieters.

The Italian began the final day seven shots off the lead but made eight birdies in his first 15 holes to get within one stroke of the Belgian, only to card his first bogey at the 17th to see him drop to 16 under par - where he finished alongside Englishman Sam Horsfield in a tie for third.

And Pavan was delighted with week's work, he said: "It was nice. It's never easy defending a tournament. Obviously I came here with some good results which made it better - and some good form. It was close enough so I'm definitely happy with today."

https://twitter.com/AndreaPavan89/status/1163329501067132928

Robert rolls back the years

Robert Karlsson may be just shy of his 50th birthday, but the 11 time European Tour winner proved he can still pack a punch on the golf course.

The Swede made light of the longest hole on the European Tour this season on his way to a Saturday 67, when he eagled the 639 yard par five. Incredible.

https://twitter.com/EuropeanTour/status/1162728082786140160

Arnaus almost aces 16

The Spaniard is having a stellar rookie season as he continued his rich vein of form to record his third second placed finish of the season, just one shot behind playing partner Pieters.

However, it could have been very different with two holes to play had his tee shot into the short 16th rolled into the cup for what would have been a stunning ace. The Belgian, who recorded a bogey on the par three, would been under more pressure from the in form 24-year-old who is still searching for his first European Tour title.

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        Pristine Prague pulls in plenty

        Albatross Golf Resort hosted its sixth edition of the D+D Real Czech Masters and the fans came in their numbers to celebrate Pieters' second success in Prague, despite not having much to cheer about from their home favourites on the course.

        Albatross Golf Resort