Trevose touring professional Philip Rowe, pictured left, fought off a strong challenge to win the Open du Pays Basque at Golf De La Nivelle in south west France.

His three round eight under par total of 202 placed him two ahead of his nearest rivals, both Frenchmen. The win ranks as his most significant performance since he become a professional in July 2003.

One of only six players from the UK, Rowe opened with a three under par 67 to claim fourth place. A solid second round 67 eased Rowe into a tie for first place.

Then in poor weather conditions he opened with five pars, birdied the sixth and eagled the eighth to be out in three under par 33 and he was back in 35 for a winning 68.