Thomas Pieters feels he is ready to challenge every week on The European Tour as he goes in search of a third title of the season.
The Belgian broke his duck at the D+D REAL Czech Masters in August and followed that with victory at the KLM Open two weeks later to make it back-to-back wins in a scintillating run of form.
He fired a 65 on Thursday at the Portugal Masters to sit one shot off the lead of countryman Nicolas Colsaerts and England's Andy Sullivan, and now feels confident that he belongs near the top of the leaderboard.
"I came here to win," he said. "Obviously, it would be nice to get my third one. I've just still got to stay patient, stay in the present. I just want to get a good end of the season, get myself right up there.
"I would like to be more consistent, for sure. But I've had a couple of rough ones this summer.
"My game is good and I feel like I can compete every week, which is very satisfying."
While Pieters' 65 contained seven birdies and a bogey, Thomas Aiken's was a far more dramatic affair with the South African turning in 30 thanks to gains at the 11th and 12th and two eagles in three holes on the 15th and 17th.
Aiken then played his back nine in level par and admitted to some frustration that he could not get the putter going.
"I got off to a good start, starting on the back nine," he said. "Made a nice birdie on 11, two great shots into 12 - the par five - to about ten feet, unfortunately missed the eagle. Then made another birdie and played two solid holes.
On 15, I had a bit of magic from 75 yards. It's always nice when you can hole the fairway shots. That kind of kickstarted the momentum - Thomas Aiken
"I did the same thing on 17, I hit driver, two iron to about ten feet and made the putt.
"I was flying at that stage and then starting the back nine, I hit some great iron shots. Unfortunately I didn't capitalise on them, I didn't make too many putts on the back nine.
"I played pretty solid and I'm happy with the start. I've got a long weekend ahead of me."
Eduardo de la Riva had a birdie-birdie finish to also get into a share of second spot and he was delighted with the way he played on an Oceånico Victoria Golf Club layout showing heavier rough than previous years.
"It's very nice," he said. "To start with six under, I played very good today.
"Also with the putts, very good putts to finish. A three-metre putt on the last, so I'm very happy."
He added: "This year there is a lot of rough. Last year we didn't have rough. So I think it's a little bit more difficult this year."
David Drysdale completed the group a shot behind the leaders in a congested field and while he felt he left a few shots out there, he was happy with his 65.
"Delighted with the score," he said. "Played lovely, lovely chances. Could have been a little bit lower but, 65, I'll take it."
