David Higgins has left himself with a mountain to climb if he is to secure his playing privileges on the European Tour in tomorrow's final round at tour school.

With only the top 30 and ties earning tour cards at San Roque, Higgins penultimate round of 76 saw him lose further ground on the leaders and leave him seven shots outside a qualifying berth.

Realistically, the Waterville man now needs to shoot a round in the mid-60s to have any chance of bridging the gap to win his card for the European circuit.

At six-over, Higgins has fallen to 71st place in the pecking order with a double-bogey on the third hole setting the tone for a disappointing afternoon.

Alexandre Rocha of Brazil continues to set the pace and, at 14-under,  barring a collapse of biblical proportions will be playing on tour next season.

Four-time US Tour winner Notah Begay (-9) is also well placed, as is former Irish Open champion Patrik Sjoland.