South African Thomas Aiken (FJ ICON) is no stranger to winning on his home country's Sunshine Tour with 6 victories.  However, a European Tour victory had eluded the 27 year old from Johannesburg until yesterday at the Open de España. 

Aiken, fresh off a 7 week layoff, had low expectations in his first start after such a break.  Stating he needed to, "recharge the batteries."  The well rested Aiken would not disappoint, posting 8-under par after the first 3 days of competition, 2 strokes clear of the closest competitor.  Continuing his solid play Aiken birdied 2, 6, and 11 to increase his lead.  A pair of late bogey's would not derail his chances as he closed with 3 straight pars to finish off the tournament at 10-under par, 2 shots clear of the field.

Post victory Aiken stated, "I don't think it's quite hit home yet...I've been waiting for this for a long, long time and I've been knocking on the door. I'm ecstatic."

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