Bernd Wiesberger is targeting a Race to Dubai boost after a second round 64 moved him into a strong position at the Portugal Masters.
The Austrian currently sits seventh in the season-long standings but a win this weekend at Oceånico Victoria Golf Club would take him within 10,000 points and striking distance of Branden Grace in sixth.
To get to the top of the leadeboard, though, he will have to overcome a four-shot deficit to second round leader Andy Sullivan and potentially the weather with a shotgun start being used on Saturday due to the threat of heavy rain.
"I've got a bit of gap there between myself and the number six but, yeah, everything counts," he said.
We're in a Ryder Cup qualification here, and every dime counts there as well. So hoping for another good finish this weekend - Bernd Wiesberger
At the opposite end of the Race to Dubai spectrum is Chris Paisley. The Englishman came into this week at 110th in the standings, the final spot to secure playing privileges for next season, but he has flourished in Portugal, firing back-to-back 67s to sit at eight under.
The 29 year old is no stranger to this position having been at the thick end of the battle in 2013 and he is glad that he has his destiny in his own hands.
"I'm obviously happy with it," he said. "Coming into the week being the guy that's 110, it's not that nice of a position to be in.
"I felt good about my game, hit it really well the last two days and only made one bogey. Hopefully we'll get to play tomorrow and keep it going.
"I guess there's less pressure on me than the guys that are behind me. I've got that going for me.
"That's just something that you obviously can't think about when you're playing. You just go out and take each shot as it comes. Whatever happens, happens."
Thomas Pieters is currently providing the closest competition to Sullivan, sitting three shots back at 11 under as the pair go head-to-head in the race for a 2015 hat-trick.
Both men have claimed two titles on the European Tour so far this season and, after starting 65-66 on the Algarve, Pieters sees no reason why he cannot make it three.
"I thought I played better yesterday, but hit it close a couple of times," he said. "I took advantage of the par fives.
"I'm pretty disappointed with the finish, missing two short ones but I gave myself a chance going into tomorrow.
"I know I can do it. I know the course suits me, so why can't I do it? It's quite easy: You just have to play well and see what happens."
