DAVID Howell was unable to improve upon his first-round heroics after he finished well down the leaderboard at the Portugal Masters.

Swindon star Howell shot a superb five-under round of 66 on Thursday but could only follow that up with three level-par scores, including another 71 in Sunday’s final round.

After finishing the first day well inside the top 10 in Vilamoura, the 43-year-old had to settle for a tie of 63rd place come the conclusion of the tournament.

Fellow Wiltshire player Jordan Smith also posted a level-par 71 on the final day, although three previous rounds in the 60s meant he ended in a tie for 27th place on 11-under.

Englishman Tom Lewis claimed victory at Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course, with his five-under final round of 66 taking him to 22-under overall, three shots clear of the field.

Broome Manor man Howell endured a tough opening to his final round and was sliding the wrong way down the leaderboard three holes in after an early bogey.

He was unable to improve the situation before the turn, with another bogey arriving at the ninth meaning he headed out in two-over for the day.

However, Howell was swiftly able to get things going and back-to-back birdies at holes 10 and 11 saw those earlier dropped shots clawed back.

Although that was offset by a bogey at number 12, a final bogey of the day at the 15th and a run of three pars in a row to finish meant for a level-par round of 71.