Paul Dunne moves into position to claim priceless European Tour card

Irish golfer Paul Dunne is just 36 holes away from securing his place on next year's European Tour after a superb round in Catalunya today.

The Greystones man, who leapt to stardom when leading this year's Open Championship as an amateur, turned pro after helping Great Britain and Ireland win the Walker Cup. Dunne is one of six Irish golfers in action at the final stage of the tour's Qualifying School in Spain, a six-round war of attrition that will see the top 25 players claim a coveted card for next season. And with the four-round cut hovering over play today, Dunne carded a superb round of 68 to shoot up the leaderboard to a tie for 18th at eight under par. Dunne, who turns 23 next week, trails the leaders by six shots but will be more concerned about hanging tough over the final two days to secure his card. Damien McGrane is also in an excellent position, one stroke ahead of Dunne thanks to a one-under 71, the 44-year-old Meathman trying to retain his playing privileges after a disappointing 2015. Kevin Phelan (-3) and Simon Thornton (-2) also made the cut but have work to do to climb the leaderboard, while Ruaidhri McGee and Brian Casey missed out.