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Ricardo Santos

SANTO DA SERRA, Madeira Islands - Ricardo Santos shot a 9-under 63 Sunday to win the Madeira Islands Open by four strokes, becoming the first Portuguese-born golfer to win on the European Tour in his home country.



He rallied from four strokes down and birdied his closing three holes to set a championship record of 22 under on the Santa da Serra course. He also set a record for lowest winning final round in the 19-year history of the event.



"I don't have the words to describe this week as it is very emotional," he said. "To win my first European Tour event in my own country is very special. It was a sensational round and definitely the best of my career."



Sweden's Magnus Carlsson shot a 67 and was runner-up. Denmark's Andreas Harto finished third, five strokes behind Santos.



Santos graduated from the Challenge Tour to the main tour this year. With this victory, he earned a one-year tour exemption and an entry spot at the upcoming PGA Championship at Wentworth.



"It was amazing to have the crowds here supporting me," he said. "It would be difficult to imagine a better win than this."



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