Russell targets instant return

Raymond Russell is looking to take encouragement from the resurgence of former Ryder Cup player Paul Broadhurst and make a swift return to the European Tour this week.

Russell finished 119th on the Order of Merit this year and as a result the 33-year-old Scot finds himself back at the dreaded qualifying school, which gets underway on Thursday at San Roque.

In 2002 Broadhurst was at an equally low ebb but having regained his card at the tour school the Englishman completed his comeback this season by winning the Estoril Open in Portugal on his way to finishing 22nd on the money list.

“Three years ago Paul lost his card and had to go back to the school,” said Russell, the winner of the Cannes Open in 1996.

“Since then he’s got his card back and won a tournament. It shows it can be done.”

Russell is one of 156 players competing in Spain this week where, after a gruelling six rounds, the leading 30 players and ties will be handed places on the 2006 European circuit.

European Ryder Cup vice-captain Peter Baker is back at the school after slipping to 160th on the money list while former Ryder Cup players Philip Walton of Ireland and Sweden’s Jarmo Sandelin also compete.

Scotland’s David Drysdale, who failed to keep his card by just £400 (€593), also takes part alongside Walker Cup player Gary Lockerbie and former Scottish amateur champion Andrew McArthur, the winner of stage two of the qualifying school last weekend.