LEE Thompson won his second West Region order of merit tournament in record-breaking fashion to return to the Number One position. Afterwards he said: "That's where I want to be."
His three-stroke victory in the Phil Price Challenge at the Ryder Cup's star's home course at Pontypridd was achieved over two rounds as the second day was washed out after heavy storms swamped the Welsh Valleys.
The 33-year-old Dudsbury touring player is odds-on favourite to retain the OOM title as he won the opening event the Wood-BMW at Dudsbury and tied fourth in the Welsh Masters at Marriott St Pierre.
He now holds a commanding 68-point lead over Devon's Jon Langmead (Exminster) with former European Tour player Andrew Sherborne (Kendleshire) 224 points away in third.
With two more events still to play and only the best four out of five finishes to count, he just needs another top ten finish to ensure finishing either first or second.
Either place would earn automatic entry into the BMW International at Wentworth and the Celtic Manor Resort Open again next year.
He started the £13,000 tournament, sponsored by the Ryder Cup Wales 2010 board, with a four-under-par 65 to take a one-shot lead into the final round.
This set a new professional record with five birdies and only one dropped shot on the 225-yard par three 10th.
He followed with 67 and could afford to drop two shots over the closing holes and still ease out PGA Cup player Tony Nash (Lostwithiel).
He said: "I played solid golf and didn't get into any trouble in the swirling wind. You didn't want to overshoot the greens that had plenty of slopes and were in fine condition.
"I haven't had a lot of success in pro-ams this year but I seem to focus more during order of merit tournaments and keep my head down."
Sean Mason (Teignmouth) was firmly in contention to win his second order of merit tournament in Wales and was four-under-par until a major mishap at the 13th when his ball was plugged in a bunker.
Graham Howell (Ferndown Forest) played another steady round and aced the 165-yard 12th hole using an 8-iron. "It is the same club I used for my only previous hole in one as a pro at Exeter a few years ago," he revealed. He had seven aces as an amateur.
His final round 71 that brought a share of seventh place was a real mixture. He made a triple-bogey and two birdie twos on the other par threes.
Mark Wiggett showed signs of returning to form with rounds of 68 and 70 for level par 138 and a share of fifth.
He said: "It was a good result based on the way I played because I am still not sure where the ball is going, but it was a gritty performance."
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