Borja Etchart of Spain took over the running at Ribagolfe as the First Qualifying Stage Section A moved towards its conclusion.

Etchart holed a wedge on the 405 yard third hole for an eagle two on his way to a third round 68 to move to five under par 211, one clear of Portugal’s Tiago Cruz who has hung on to second place throughout the week. Sebi Garcia, also of Spain, moved into third with a 68 to lie two off the lead at three under par 213 heading into the fourth round.

The low round of the day came from Morocco’s Younes El Hassani, whose 66 included a run of six birdies in his first eight holes.

The First Qualifying School Section A is taking place at two venues this week – The London Club in England and Ribagolfe in Portugal. A further six venues will also take part in the First Qualifying Stage over the next three weeks across Austria, England, France, Germany, Italy and Scotland.

The successful players from each of the eight venues will progress to the Second Qualifying Stage, held in Spain across four venues at the end of November.