Australian David McKenzie remains on track to secure his European Tour card at the midway point of the final qualifying event at the PGA Catalunya Resort.
McKenzie fired a solid two-under-par round of 68 take his overall total to 11 under after three rounds in Girona, Spain.
He is in a tie for fifth place with five other golfers, four shots behind leader Sam Hutsby, who holds a one-shot lead over fellow Englishman Andy Sullivan.
The 23-year-old, who turned professional in 2009, made a flying start to the nerve-wracking event when he holed eight birdies and one eagle for a 10-under 60 on the opening day.
Sullivan's progress has been steadier by comparison, as rounds of 65, 66 and 67 saw him reach 14 under and outright second with three days remaining.
Swede Peter Gustafsson climbed to third place at 13 under after he carded a four-under 66 on Monday.
Thomas Norret of Denmark carded the lowest round of day three, with his eight-under 62 firing him up to outright fourth at 12 under.
The leading 30 players at the conclusion of the final qualifying stage secure their cards for next season's European Tour.
Australian Andrew Tampion is one shot away from the top 30 in a tie after his 68 took him to six under and a tie for 39th place.
Wade Ormsby (T100), David Bransdon (T123), Daniel Gaunt (T135), Aaron Townsend (T139) all require something special if they are to climb up the leaderboard.