Lázně Kynžvart, Czech Republic - A turbulent week, in which a thunderstorm interruption lasting several hours on the first day of the tournament pushed the schedule back considerably, came to a relatively calm end on Sunday. This was ensured by 20-year-old Jean Bekirian, who solidly defended his two-shot lead ahead of the final round of the ALTEPRO Trophy 2022 by EXTEC and at no point let any nervousness show. "I knew where I was on the leaderboard and looked at the scores on 16," said the Frenchman after a solid 72 (Par) in round three. Bekirian did feel a bit of pressure after that, however. When teammate Philipp Katich recorded a birdie on the 17th hole, he assumed he was only two shots ahead. After a final par, however, he realised he was mistaken and ultimately triumphed with a commanding three-stroke lead.

For Bekirian, it was the second win of the season after his success at the Raiffeisen Pro Golf Tour St. Pölten 2022. Back then, he had spoken to his father on the phone before the final round - and he did so again this time. "But we didn't talk much about golf. My game has been very good since the beginning of the year. My father gave me a lot of credit and just told me to play my best and attack the flags." Even though only two birdies went on the card in round three, his final performance was enough to break free. Bekirian has secured promotion to the Challenge Tour after this victory.

"It's very nice," said the winner, who gave the victory interview alongside his colleague Thomas Lecomte, who carried his very good mate's bag for the final. "This win came at a very good time because I was second in the season standings before the tournament and we only have two tournaments left to play. It's a great feeling to be able to play on the Challenge Tour next year. I am also very happy because I have worked extremely hard with my team on my swing, my physicality and my mental strength. The win is the reward for all the hard work."

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Bekirian credits his coolness in such important situations as on Sunday at the Kynzvart Golf Club to the strong mentality he acquired during his time as a boxer. "This boxer mentality has also transferred to my golf game." And so the ex-hobby boxer and three-time Pro Golf Tour winner is looking forward to stepping into the Challenge Tour ring next year.

The penultimate event of the season, the FaberExposize Gelpenberg Open 2022 (1 to 3 September) at the DGC de Gelpenberg, is already coming up in a few days.

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