Higgins storms up leaderboard after sizzling 64

David Higgins found his putting touch to fire a sensational six under 64 on the Tour Course and get within two shots of the lead after the second round of the marathon European Tour Qualifying School final stage at the PGA Catalunya Resort.

As Douglas’ Peter O’Keeffe came back from the dead by following his opening 81 with a five under 65 to keep alive his hopes of making the cut tomorrow, 39-year-old Higgins made six birdies in an immaculate round to share seventh place on five under par.

Getting back on tour would be a dream come true for the Waterville man but he knows he must continue to hole the putts as he chases a place among the top 25 and ties will be awarded tour cards at the end of the gruelling, six-round test.

“I played well today and I’m delighted with my position,” said Higgins who didn’t have to hole a putt longer than 15 feet.

“You have score well on the Tour Course because the other one is very tough. I’m in a good position but there is still a long way to go. But if I can keep doing what I am doing, I will be fine.”

Overnight leader Estanislao Goya of Argentina hit a one under 71 on the tough Stadium Course to lead by a stroke from a quintet of players including Finland’s Mikko Korhonen who shot a 62 on the Tour Course.

His play inspired playing partner O’Keeffe, who moved to within two shots of the top 70 to make the four-round cut after picking up seven birdies in a 65 he reckoned could easily have been a 60.

Seven under for his round with five holes to play, the Muskerry assistant bogeyed the fifth and then three-putted twice coming home for par at the long seventh and for bogey at the ninth.

“That was a round that had to happen,” said O’Keeffe, who moved up 50 places to joint 100th on four over.

“Obviously after starting with 81 it’s a tough battle but I knew I was playing well. A few putts got away from me and it could have easily been five shots better. I am optimistic for the rest of the week.”

Ballymena’s Chris Devlin shot a one over 73 on the Stadium Course to share 66th spot on two over with Dubliner Niall Kearney a shot further back in 83rd after a 72 there.

Royal County Down’s Simon Thornton headed straight for the putting green after finishing with back-to-back bogeys for a three over 75 that left him tied with O’Keeffe on four over while Lurgan’s Gareth Shaw followed an 81 on the Stadium Course with a three over 73 on the Tour track to languish 153rd in the 156-man field on 12 over.