Ireland’s Gary Murphy and Simon Thornton have both secured their Europpean Tour cards for next season after finishing in the top thirty having played six rounds at the PGA Golf Catalunya Resort.

Murphy began the day in a tie for 32nd, two places out of qualification, but carded a four-under-par 68 to move into a share of 16th on 11 under.

Thornton went the other direction but remained inside the cut after his 71 dropped him one place from 25th.

Rookie professional Niall Kearney improved on his position when moving from 50th to 46th with a two-under-par 70 and the secured him his Challenge Tour card.

England’s Simon Khan topped the leaderboard despite singing for a 74 and dropping back to 20 under. He was almost caught by compatriot Sam Hutsby, whose 69 moved him to 19 under, one ahead of Scot Stephen Gallagher.