LEE James was left to rue a disappointing day on the greens as his putting deserted him during the final round of the Madrid Open on the European Challenge Tour.

The Dorset Golf and Country Club touring pro topped the leaderboard heading into the final day after his opening three rounds of 66, 65 and 68 had given him a two-shot cushion.

But a succession of missed putts saw the former Amateur champion slip off the pace, with a two-over-par 73 leaving James to settle for a share of fourth place and a cheque for £3,774.

The 33-year-old told the Daily Echo: "I hit two or three bad shots which cost me and I just couldn't hole a putt to save my life. I played well in the first three rounds and putted well, but I probably had 35 putts today."

Despite being pipped for first place by just one shot, James was reasonably satisfied with his highest finish since securing third in Italy at the end of April.

The 2002 Challenge Tour winner added: "I've been working hard with my coach Graham Packer. I've struggled a bit recently but we've been trying to change a few things around and it seemed to come together this week.

"I had a problem with my putting during the first part of the season and after I had got back on track, I fell ill which knocked me back for a couple of weeks."

Meanwhile, Ferndown touring pro Kevin Spurgeon banked a cheque for £3,014 after finishing 13th in the London Masters on the European Seniors Tour.

Spurgeon added a closing three-over-par 75 to his first two rounds of 68 and 73 to finish on level par, six shots behind winner Giuseppe Cali who won following a play-off.