DAVID Smith warmed up for his big date in Middle East when he beat Paul Eales by a shot in the PGA North Region Overseas Pro-am at Portuguese resort Vilamoura.

The Swinton Park assistant, winner of the MEN Manchester Open in 2007, compiled an impressive 10-under-par in an event reduced to three rounds after rain ko'd the first day.

It was his first taste of competitive golf since early December and whetted his appetite Gulf Air PGA Pro-Captain Challenge in Bahrain later this month.

Smith opened up with a 69 at Vale Do Lobo, reaching the turn in one-over before picking up five birdies on the way back. He then fired a two-under 71 at the Old Course before signing off with a 68 at the Royal to leapfrog Eales.

"I birdied the top four strokes holes in the last round which was unusual in the last round," he said.

Apart from a cheque for £700, Smith also enjoyed the chance to sharpen up his short game.

"That was down to lack of practise but it's given me something to work on before I go to Bahrain," he added.

Partnering him in the 36-hole final will be Swinton Park's taxi-driving captain Dave Torkington.

They will be chauffeur driven to the airport and stay in a five-star hotel. KATHERINE Hull cruised to a five stroke victory at the ANZ Masters at Royal Pines Resort in Australia.

Hull, who began the final round with a three stroke lead over fellow Australian Tamie Durdin, recorded a winning total of 16-under-par 272.

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