Versatile Verselin voracious at El Saler

Jean-Pierre Verselin got his Second Qualifying Stage campaign underway with a three under par round of 69 to lead the way at Campo de Golf El Saler amidst tough scoring conditions.

Only eight players managed to break par around a demanding Spanish course, with Frenchman Verselin the only person to break 70, after a remarkable back nine, consisting of five birdies in six holes.

He leads two British players who sit in a strong position on two under par. Welshman Garry Houston and Scot Jack Doherty had five and four birdies respectively on their way to producing rounds of 70.

After surviving such a tough day for scoring, both will be confident that progression to the Final Stage is one step closer.

Another Welshman and winner of the First Stage Section D event at Frilford Heath Red, Mark Laskey, is among the chasing pack at one under par.

The number of qualifying spots available to the Final Stage will be announced once the Challenge Tour Grand Final has concluded and the Challenge Tour rankings are finalised for the season (around mid-day Saturday).

The Final Stage – which returns to European Tour Destination, PGA Catalunya Resort - will ultimately allocate the 25 European Tour cards that are on offer for Qualifying School hopefuls.