DAMIAN McGrane's relentless march towards a place in the European Tour final qualifying school was maintained yesterday when the Wexford club professional shot a second successive 66 to take the third round lead in the stage two tournament at Pals in Spain.

With the top 30 players from each of the three qualifying courses advancing after today's final round, McGrane is in pole position at Pals. His third round 66 for 15under-par 204 took him two strokes clear of England's Philip Golding and in line to lead the qualifiers from that venue.

There were mixed fortunes for McGrane's compatriots at the same course. Sean Quinlivan slipped back slightly to tied11th after a third round 72 for 212 and Damian Mooney moved to tied-15th after a round of 70 for 213.

Former tour player Raymond Burns shot a 72 that moved him to tied-26th.

Jim Carvill continued his fine form at Peralada where he shot a third round 70 for seven-under-par 209, which moved him to 10th place with just one round to go. Former Irish amateur champion Peter Lawrie (36th), Francis Howley (50th) and Richard Coughlan (65th) are in danger, however, of missing out.

Eamonn Brady shot a third round 70 for two-under-par 211 which put him in tied26th at Emperada.

Despite an unusual incident on the first fairway, South African Ernie Els took a one-shot lead in the Tour Championship in Atlanta, Georgia, yesterday.

After hitting what he described as "a perfect drive" Els saw his ball fly back 30 yards towards him - it had hit a sprinkler. But Els went on to shoot six birdies on the way to a 64 which left him one shot ahead of David Duval.

Duval said he was back playing well and seemed to have overcome his back problems as he shot six birdies and a single bogey in his 65. Defending champion Tiger Woods is tied sixth on 68.