Portmarnock's Conor Purcell took advantage of a sponsor's invitation and closed with a bogey-free, four-under 68 to claim second place in the Alps Tour’s Ein Bay Open at Sokhna Golf Club in Egypt.

"It was particularly tough knowing I had to shoot five or six-under-par to win," said Purcell, who finished two strokes behind Italy's Stefano Mazzoli on 12-under par for his best finish as a professional, earning €3,940.

Scores

"But I'm happy with my score also because the weather got a little windier on the course. I can't complain about my game even if I had the chance to make a few more birdies. Congratulations to Stefano, who played a very solid third round here.

"I played the par-fives well to make up most of my score and had some key up and downs throughout to save par."

Purcell could not tee it up in the Alps Tour Q-School last year due to illness but will also tee it up on an invitation in the Red Sea Little Venice Open from Sunday.

it was also a good week for West Waterford's Gary Hurley, who turned in one-over before picking up four birdies on the back nine to card a three-under 69 and tie for seventh on eight-under.

“I’m very happy with how things are progressing,” Hurley said. “I’ve worked extremely hard over these past few years and this winter’s work has been extremely positive.

“My golf has been in a good place for a while now and it is nice to see the good work continue into the first event of the year. I’m excited to test the work again over the next few weeks. “

Hurley revealed he’s been in close contact with fellow West Waterford man Seamus Power and picked up some knowledge that’s helped his game.

“I’ve actually spoken to him a few times over the past few months and he’s given me some ideas around certain parts his game that I’m now implementing into my own, which is amazing,” he said.

Mallow's James Sugrue made five birdies in a one-under 71 and Naas Jonathan Yates carded a 72 to leave them tied 25th on four-under.