Murphy poised to secure Tour place as cards fall in his favour

GARY MURPHY seems almost certain to retain his Race to Dubai Tour card thanks to the help of six international players including four Major champions.

Murphy moved from 145th to 120th on the money list after both he and Ballyclare’s Gareth Maybin shot 18-under par totals in Madrid on Sunday. Maybin carded a best final day 64 while Murphy posted a 68 for his best finish since being third in last year’s Irish Open.

Rookie Maybin has moved to 48th on the money list and is headed next month to Dubai while Murphy is closer to avoiding a trip to Tour Q-School for a first occasion since 2002.