Lima stunned after win in St Omer Open

LIMA was left stunned last night after being propelled into the European elite.

He was handed a one-year exemption to the lucrative European tour after winning the St Omer Open in his native France.

Lima, three shots adrift overnight, posted a five-under-par 66 to finish on 279.

That was enough to give him a one-shot advantage over the unfortunate Alessandro Tadini of Italy. The pair looked to be heading for a play-off but Tadini three-putted the last.

He knocked the ball four feet past the hole and missed the return to give Lima a memorable victory.

David Geall was one shot further back with Iain Pyman, James Hepworth, Simon Dyson and Carl Suneson tied in fourth place.

Lima, 22, reaped the benefits of changing his putting technique following a session with St Omer professional Sylvain Rout on Saturday night.