The final day of European Tour qualifying in San Roque in Spain yesterday proved a sad one for the Irish, with all four hopefuls biting the dust. It was a particularly disappointing day for Philip Walton who was absolutely shattered afterwards.

For the second year running the Malahide man, who was the hero of the 1995 Ryder Cup win over America, had a closing 77 and so failed to get his place back on tour.

At 439 Walton ended six shots away from the magic mark of 433 for the six rounds which would have seen him through. Had he shot the 71 yesterday which Paddy Gribben carded he would have made it, but Gribben's score still left him short by four shots on 437.

The Irishman who came closest, however was Damien McGrane who finished on 436 after a 74 yesterday. Much farther back, trailing in at the bottom of the field after the gruelling six rounds, was Damien Mooney, who ended on 452 after an 81 yesterday.

At the other end of the field, South African Desvonde Botes was able to hold onto his top position despite a 73 yesterday. It still left him four shots clear at the finish and he takes home a cheque for £13,800.

There was also a happy outcome for Englishman Steve Richardson. Just as he did last year and in 1998, he kept his career afloat with only one shot to spare.

"I'm drained - done in," said the 34year-old ex-Ryder Cup man, joint 30th of the 35 players who survived the week.

"This is like a six-day exam, and the last round is always the toughest.

"I had a headache and felt sick. That's just the pressure, and when you don't swing it great any more - which I don't - you are always vulnerable.

"I lost my swing at the end and fell into old habits but I putted great. I'm so pleased - tournament golf is still what I want to do.

"The struggles I've had hurt. But you've got to believe you can fix it, and I showed good signs this week."

Halfway through the marathon ordeal, Richardson - second on Europe's Order of Merit behind Severiano Ballesteros in 1991 - was down in 93rd place on six over par.

With five holes to go, he had fought his way up to one under and could afford to drop two strokes.

But when he bogeyed the next two he was on a knife edge. He birdied the short seventh, however, and parred the last two for a 69 and level-par aggregate of 432.

Vijay Singh held a two-stroke lead over Tiger Woods going into yesterday's second round of the PGA Grand Slam of Golf at Poipu Beach in Hawaii.

The Fijian, who is the US Masters champion, shot a three-under-par 69 in the first round.