The Royal Lytham-attached professional, runner-up to Swinton Park’s David Smith the last time he played the Vilamoura resort, made sure on this occasion with a five-under-par total over four rounds.

Eales shared the lead on the first day, moved four ahead on the second, lagged behind on the third before regaining pole position with a closing 72.

He won by four shots from Brian Rumney, professional at Marriott Hollins Hall, with former Ryder Cup player Steve Richardson sharing four place.

DETAILS: 284 Paul Eales (Northern Rock) 72 69 71 72; 288 Brian Rumney (Marriott Hollins Hall) 74 74 69 71; 289 Martin Edge (Hesketh) 75 74 70 70; 290 Allyn Laing (Mount Murray) 75 73 71 71, Steve Richardson (Lee-on-Solent) 77 68 72 73; 291 Mark Smith (Stamford) 73 72 77 69.

Liverpool Daily Post