Ain Sokhna, Egypt - Actually, Pedro Lencart thought the victory was already certain - but then Timo Vahlenkamp came along. The German drew level with Pedro Lencart with four birdies on the last four holes at the Golf Club Ain Sokhna. Thus, the two professionals met again in the play-off. "That was a bit of a surprise," the Portuguese admitted a little later. Lencart had a two-shot lead over Vahlenkamp after a birdie on the 16th, who earned his place in the play-off with a 64 (-8) - the best round of the day.

However, the impressive chase of the native Westphalian did not have a happy ending. Lencart put his approach on the first extra hole straight to the flag and secured his first Pro Golf Tour title with a birdie. "It feels great," said the happy winner, who had a pitching wedge in his hands on that final shot into the green - 118 metres into the wind. "Considering the overall situation, under the pressure, it was probably even the best shot of my career."

Best round of the tournament

Lencart used more superlatives when talking about his second round of the Little Venice Red Sea Open. There he had laid the foundation for his eventual triumph. The 22-year-old, who has lived in the Algarve since turning professional two years ago, played a superb 63 (-9) on day two. "It was very close to the perfect round," Lencart explained looking back. Especially his approach shots were incredible. And if the last putt of the round hadn't lipped out - he would even have equalled the course record at the perfectly prepared Ain Sokhna Golf Club.

Leaderboard: All results at a glance

Asked about the course in Ain Sokhna, Lencart went into raptures: "The course and the resort are great. I think it was even a bit better than the first two events here. Also, the setup really suits my game as it's all about the approaches and putting here - and those are my strengths." So, of course, Lencart is not unaware that the next tournament of the season will also be played at Ain Sokhna Golf Club on April 9 - the EINBAY Red Sea Open 2023.

First goal fulfilled

After a 2022 season that didn't live up to Lencart's standards with position 64 in the Order of Merit, the Portuguese talent nevertheless went into this year with big goals: "My goal from the start was to finish this year in the top five and win a tournament." He has now achieved the first goal. And in the overall standings, things are also looking good at this early stage of the season. Lencart ranks third in the Order of Merit after the Little Venice Red Sea Open. Frenchman Clement Guichard continues to lead the ranking. Bräunig follows in second place.