England's Tom Lewis survived a nerve-wracking finish to win his second European Tour title in the Portugal Masters on Sunday.
Seven years after winning the same event in just his third professional start, Lewis carded a final round of 66 in Vilamoura to finish 22-under-par, three shots ahead of compatriot Eddie Pepperell and Australia's Lucas Herbert.
Lewis began the day two shots behind Herbert but birdied four of the first eight holes and recovered from a bogey on the 10th with further gains on the 11th and 13th to hold a one-shot lead over playing partner Herbert.
The 27-year-old looked set to lose that advantage after driving into the water on the 17th, but holed from 30 feet for an unlikely par and then saw Herbert's tee shot on the 18th also find a watery grave.
Shane Lowry began the day seven shots off the lead held by Herbert and though the Offaly man finished with an excellent four-under 67, he ultimately had too much to do to lift himself into the frame for a title win.
He took sixth, on 16-under, six off the winner.
Paul Dunne carded a closing 69 to finish on eight-under in a tie for 44th.
Champion in Portugal. Again. 🏆
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) September 23, 2018
Tom Lewis wins the #PortugalMasters for the second time. pic.twitter.com/9LD5Khd6MZ
Meanwhile a relieved Lewis, who held a share of the lead after the first round of the 2011 Open while still an amateur, told Sky Sports: "It's unbelievable, I'm so happy.
"It's been a rough ride but this week I played hard, I got off to a bad start and to finish the way I have has been brilliant."
Speaking about his vital par save on the 17th, Lewis added: "I think when things happen for you, putts go in - I could so easily have three-putted then, but I've been putting great."
