Titleist golfer Gregory Bourdy has added the Portuguese Open trophy to his 2007 Mallorca Classic title after fending off David Howell and Alistair Forsyth at Oitavos Dunes, Estoril.
In a playoff - which went to three extra holes - the Frenchman kept his nerve to push Cleveland golfer Howell into second place and Callaway golfer Forsyth into third.
During the sudden-death decider, Forsyth''s drive found a bush on the second extra hole, while Howell was beaten at the third.
Bourdy had a lead going into the final day but Howell carded 64 in the final round, compared to Forsyth''s 66 and the Frenchman''s 70 to make things all square.
The new European Tour event champion was relieved to prevail after a hard-fought playoff and final round.
"I was plus three and I lost a little bit of my game. But I made a few birdies and I felt if I made three or four I would have a big chance," he remarked. "I was quite nervous at the start of the day but I am so happy to win."
Next up, it is the Italian Open. Milan hosts the next stage of the European Tour between May 8th and 11th.
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