Ireland's Rory McIlroy is well placed to reach stage two of the European Tour School after a 71 at The Oxfordshire.

The Holywood amateur had already shot a 70 and a 67 before today's round that leaves him tied ninth on eight-under-par.

Fellow Ulsterman Damian Mooney is two shots further back but well placed nonetheless.  Both players need to be in the top 29 by close of play tomorrow to qualify for the next stage.

Zimbabwean Tongo Charamba holds a two shot lead on 19-under-par.

At Chart Hills Glen Robinson, Michael McGeady and Chris Devlin are also faring well on five, four and three under respectively.

The lead is held by Englishman Thomas Haylock on eight-under-par.

In Germany, at Fleesensee Golf Club, Michael McDermott is six shots off the lead and tied fifth on nine-under-par.