SWINDON’S David Howell birdied the last hole at the Ballantine’s Championship to mark a fine return to form as he finished in joint 12th place.

Howell’s final round of 70 was not enough to trouble the leaders but gave the Broome Manor professional a massive confidence boost and €35,721 in prize money.

After a disappointing opening round of 73, Howell bounced back on Friday with a superb 69. He then bettered that on Saturday with a 68 as he set his sights on the top of the leaderboard.

However, Howell couldn’t better those scores although his two-under par final round gave him a finish could be proud of.

“I birdied the last to finish 12th,” said Howell.

“My goal was a top five finish but this was my best finish since July 2011 and I have been given hope, hope that I really did need.

“Maybe it’s turning, just maybe.”

Howell is now expected to take a break for the next few weeks before returning to action.

Austria’s Bernd Wiesberger took top spot at the event in South Korea, winning by five clear shots on 18 under from Scotland’s Richie Ramsay.