Eight Irish hopefuls will be looking to make their mark as the European Tour qualifying school second stage gets underway across four venues in Spain today.

Paul McGinley declared he would be taking a backseat role but there was no hiding the enthusiasm of the European Ryder Cup captain on the opening day of the Seve Trophy near Versailles.

Tipperary brothers Trevor and Shane Breen were denied a one-two in the grand prix at the three-star show in Hardelot, France, yesterday.