Wallace wins Portugal Open

LISBON (AFP) — Englishman Matt Wallace clinched his first European Tour title on Sunday with a three-stroke victory at the Portugal Open after leading the event from start to finish.

The world number 242 shot a sizzling 10-under-par 63 in his opening round and held his nerve over the weekend to round out a remarkable triumph with a closing 69.

Wallace, 27, sank four birdies in a blemish-free final round to end on 21-under-par for the tournament as he withstood a late charge from American Julian Suri, who finished with a 65.

“It’s the best feeling ever,” Wallace said. “It’s always been a dream to win on the European Tour. Those first two days were really easy, that third day was the hardest day of my life and today was tough but it’s so satisfying and I’m really happy.”

France’s Matthieu Pavon claimed third place by finishing five shots adrift.