MADEIRA ISLANDS OPEN:MICHAEL HOEY hopes his Portuguese pedigree will stand him in good stead at the Madeira Islands Open this week. The 31-year-old Northern Irishman finished sixth at this event last year before winning the Estoril Open two weeks later, and is now eyeing the prospect of a second European Tour title at Porto Santo this week.

“This is a huge week because it’s a great chance for a younger player or a player further down the rankings to win,” he said.

“It’s the first European Tour event for a few guys and they will want to do well. The chance for a one-year exemption is massive and I want to win it as much as anyone out here. I said earlier in the season I was happy with how my year was going and I’m still feeling that way. I’ve been pretty consistent which was my aim so I’m happy with how it’s going. I’m ready to push on from here.”