Callum Shinkwin secured his fifth top-20 European Tour result of the year after finishing in a tie for 17th place at the Portugal Masters.

Following rounds of 64, 68 and 67 at Vilamoura, the Moor Park Golf Club professional was in contention for at least a top-ten finish overnight as he was within four shots of the lead.

However, the Bushey-based player was unable to land a blow on the front nine and turned in a one-over-par 36 following a bogey five at the seventh.

But the par fives on the back nine at Victoria Clube de Golfe once again proved profitable for the long-hitting 23-year-old as he made birdie on 12 and 17 for the fourth day running, and also picked up a shot on the par fourth 15th, to shoot a two-under-par 69 and finish on 16-under for the tournament, seven adrift of tournament winner Padraig Harrington.

Shinkwin’s result – his best since finishing in a career-best share of eighth at the Scottish Open in July - moves him up to 74th in the Race to Dubai rankings. But with his place in the wealthy Turkish Airlines Open at the start of next month already assured, the Moor Park professional is well positioned to continue his move in the right direction as he bids to secure a place at the season-ending World Tour Championship.