Portugal’s José-Filipe Lima saw history repeat itself when he emerged victorious to claim this year’s Najeti Open title at Aa Saint-Omer Golf Club in Northern France. Coming exactly 12 years after first winning the title at the same venue this latest success takes him to tenth place in the Road to Oman Rankings. As in 2004, Italy’s Tadini was again his closest challenger but this time sharing runner-up spot with Belgium’s Thomas Detry who was contesting only his second event as a professional. Lima who has won three previous European Challenge Tour events although none since 2009 used his experience and knowledge of the course to triumph. Fighting back tears, Lima found difficulty in conveying his emotions after the event. “I really don’t know how to feel. I was not feeling like the win was a long time coming, I was just playing and it’s now happened – that’s golf, you have to be calm at all times, work hard, and when you work you have some luck. I’m working more than ever right now so maybe I’m luckier too.” The experienced Portuguese now looks forward to making more golfing history as he targets further success and tournament triumphs.
