Ricardo Santos continues to be one of the most consistent players of the new season after muscling his way to third place midway through the second round of the Africa Open at East London in South Africa.

The Portuguese powerhouse golfer produced the equal lowest round of the tournament in signing for a five under par 66 to move seven under par in total in the co-sanctioned European and Sunshine Tour event.

Santos capped his round holing a 30-foot eagle putt at the first or the 10th hole of his round along with four birdies.  He ended his round in third place but at the end of the day was sharing sixth with French ace Gregory Bourdy on seven under par and seven shots behind Brazil’s Adilson Da Silva who led by three on 14-under. 

Portugal’s Ricardo Santos has good reason to be smiling given his superb start to 2013. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)

“I’ve played well over the last four weeks,” said the Villamoura golfer.

“It’s really nice and I feel comfortable with my game and confident. I just try to do my best on every shot and see what happens from there.

“It’s always good when you’re in contention, especially when you missed the cut a year before.”

Santos arrived back to South Africa after an impressive run of results in 2013.

Last year’s Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year award winner and the reigning Madeira Islands Open champion has commenced the New Year with the following results to be lying 7th on the Race to Dubai.

28th – Volvo Champions

4th – Au Dhabi HSBC Championship

22nd – Commercial Bank Qatar Masters

7th – Omega Dubai Desert Classic

3rd – Joburg Open