DAVID Howell matched his excellent first-day score of six-under-par to sign off at the Italian Open in style.

The Swindon star hit a bogey-less round of 66 in Turin and finished tied 17th on 14-under overall.

Making gains at seven, eight and nine, the Broome Manor pro was in equally good form on the back nine, carding birdies at 10, 16 and 18.

The round continued Howell's solid recent run of form on the European Tour.

Had he cut out the two bogeys he recorded on Saturday, the Wiltshire man would have had a top-10 finish, but he still has every reason to be delighted with his weekend’s work.

Spaniard Gonzalo Fdez-Castano triumphed overall on 24-under.