McGee leads way in Cheshire

Belfast’s Ruaidhri McGee returned to the top of the leaderboard on the European Tour qualifying school in Cheshire yesterday — and looks certain to move into the second stage.

McGee fired a 71 over the Wychwood Park course in Crewe for a 211 54-hole aggregate and is five strokes clear of nearest rival American Ted Smith.

Dublin’s Colm Moriarty slumped to a disappointing 80 for 219, two behind former amateur champion Alan Dunbar. Dermot McElroy on 220 is still in the hunt but Paul Cutler is four back and needs a minor miracle to stay in contention.

Meanwhile, Dubliner Niall Kearney took a gigantic stride towards the second stage of qualifying for a European Tour card with an excellent 69 — three under par — at Fleesensee in Germany. Kearney, Royal Dublin, was a key member of the Ireland sides that won back-to-back European Team titles in 2007 and 2008. He maintained his consistency yesterday as he fired 69 on Tuesday and 68 the following day.

His 54-hole aggregate of 206 gives him a share of fourth position going into the final day today and barring a catastrophe he should make progress. Kearney had four birdies and one bogey.

Both Cian McNamara and Simon Ward are way down the field and will miss out. John Hahn of the US leads on 200.