McLean leads qualifying challenge

scot fifth in race for euro tour final spots

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ALAN McLean leads the Scottish challenge heading into the closing round of the European Tour's Qualifying School Stage 2 in Spain.

The Clydebank-born 39-year-old, a double winner on the South African circuit, hit a one-under-par 71 at Sherry Golf for a five-under 211 and shares fifth place, six shots behind front-runner Philip Archer in the race for 18 final spots on offer.

Elliot Saltman moved into the qualifying zone with a one-under 71 for 213, but PGA EuroPro Tour number one Scott Jamieson dropped back with a 73 for 215.

Comrie rookie Wallace Booth had a 72, but is facing the exit door on a 220, while former European Tour winner Raymond Russell tumbled out of the qualifying places with a disastrous 80 for his 220 total.

At Arcos Gardens, Aberdeen's Greig Hutcheon eased into the top 10 with a one-under 71 for a four-under 212 and shares seventh, six shots behind joint leaders Michiel Bothma and Santiago Luna.

Fife's George Murray finished inside the qualifying places on 213 after 72, while former European Tour rookie of the year Scott Henderson stayed in the hunt with a 71 for 215.

Glasgow's Chris Kelly in on course to progress at Costa Ballena after a two-under 70 left the former Scottish PGA champion in 13th place on an eight-under 208, five shots behind pacesetter Alvaro Velasco.

Tartan Tour number one Craig Lee slipped to a 73 for 216 and is seven shots outside a top-18 finish needed to qualify.

At Hacienda Del Alamo, Paul O'Hara's bid to join big brother Steven in this weekend's final were dealt a major blow as the SGU number one stumbled to a two-over 74.

The Colville Park youngster finished the day on a two-over 218 and languishes six shots outside the qualifying zone.

American Ryan Blaum leads the way on a 16-under 200 after a 67.