Jordan Smith of England poses with the trophy after winning the Portugal Masters

SMITH : “I’m just really happy with how I’ve done this year”

Jordan Smith produced a tremendous display of front running to claim his second DP World Tour title with a sensational three-shot victory at the 2022 Portugal Masters.

The Englishman made an eagle and six birdies on Sunday to claim his first win since the Porsche European Open in 2017 and move into the top 10 on the DP World Tour rankings.

As well as holing some monster putts and producing a wonderful display of ball-striking, Smith pulled off one of the best par saves of the week at the 11th after getting into tree trouble.

Gavin Green, who finished in second on 27 under par courtesy of his closing 64, barely put a foot wrong but there was nothing he could do to stop Smith.

After his win, an emotional Smith said: “It’s just nice to finally get that second win.

“I’m just really happy with how I’ve done this year.”

His winning total is one better than the DP World Tour record, set by Ernie Els at the 2003 Johnnie Walker Classic, but due to preferred lies this week Smith’s tally does not go into the record books.