Belgium’s Pieter Devos has gained the lead in the Longines Global Champions Tour ©Getty Images

Belgium’s Pieter Devos has taken the lead in the Longines Global Champions Tour rankings with a ninth-place finish in Estoril.

Devos gained 28 points for his performance in Portugal, as he returned to action having missed last weekend's event in Stockholm.

This put him on 206 points in the overall standings, above Germany’s Daniel Deusser on 190, who did not compete this weekend.

Reigning champion Ben Maher of Britain is in third after he finished fourth in Estoril, earning 33 points.

This lifts him to 183 in the overall standings, overtaking Sweden’s Peder Fredricson, who did not compete in Portugal.

Ninth place in Estoril was enough to send Devos to the top of the standings ©Longines Global Champions Tour
Ninth place in Estoril was enough to send Devos to the top of the standings ©Longines Global Champions Tour

Victorious at the event at Hipódromo Manuel Possolo was Switzerland's Martin Fuchs, who completed the course on Chaplin in 69.98 seconds.

It is Fuchs' second victory of the Tour this year and earned him the top prize of €23,375 (£20,900/$26,611).

Marcus Ehring of Germany was second in 70.57secs on Comme II Faut, while Ireland's Michael Duffy was third in 70.86secs on Mullaghdrin Touch The Stars.

Maher recorded a time of 72.15secs on Explosion W, while Devos on Claire Z completed the circuit in 75.89secs.

The Tour continues in Monaco next weekend.