GOLF - EUROPEAN QUALIFYING:Simon Thornton's bid for a European Tour card is still on track after a level-par 72 left him in fourth spot going into the final round of stage two qualifying at Arcos Gardens in Jerez yesterday.
The Royal County Down golfer slipped back from a tie for second after failing to pick up a shot, but is still well placed to capture one of the 20 places available at the venue for next week's final qualifying.
Thornton sits on seven-under after the third round, trailing runaway leader Santiago Luna of Spain by eight shots after the former European Tour regular carded his second 66 of the week.
David Higgins moved into a tie for sixth place at Sherry Golf after signing for a 68 to move to six-under. A total of 19 spots are up for grabs, with Esker Hills amateur Shane Lowry and Glasson's Colm Moriarty needing a strong finish tomorrow to make it to final qualifying.
Douglas' Peter O'Keeffe is still in line to take one of the 20 spots available at Montenmedio despite moving back to a tie for 15th place after a one-over 73 yesterday.
EUROPEAN SENIORS:Des Smyth opened with a solid, two-under-par 70 in the European Senior Tour's season finale the Castellón Open España - Senior Tour Championship.
He is four shots behind leaders Angel Fernandez of Chile and Italy's Costantino Rocca, who started the defence of his title with a flawless 66.
Smyth posted four birdies and two bogeys at Club de Campo del Mediterráneo in Castellón, Spain. He is looking for a confidence-boosting end to the season after deciding to concentrate on playing in Europe rather than America next year.
"I'm working hard on my game and my ball-striking is better. I'm not putting well enough though. Today I played well but just didn't putt well enough," said Smyth, who is 23rd in the Order of Merit.
