Report by Anand Datla
November 19, 2014: A seemingly tired Anirban Lahiri slipped lower for a second day running after posting a three over 75 on the penultimate day of the European Tour Qualifying School Final Stage. The Indian had a terrific start when he posted 65-68-66, but has lost his way after he moved to the Stadium Course to give back four strokes in two rounds since then. Lahiri seeking to earn a card to play on the European Tour next season is still in line for it, lying in T11 with only one round to go. (Latest Golf News)
The top 25 players from this event will be awarded the card for next season. Lahiri’s 75 contained five bogeys and two birdies on a disappointing day at the PGA Catalunya Resort. The only other Indian in the fray, Chowrasia had missed the cut by two shots at the end of the fourth round on Monday.
The 27 year old Lahiri, ranked 75 in the world will need a steady performance on Thursday to ensure that he does not loose his way on the final stretch, with the card in sight. Lahiri is 9-under 347 through 90 holes and five days, eight behind the leader Renato Paratore. The young Italian has stayed under par through each of the five rounds, shooting 67-70-66-69-67 for his total of 339.
Overnight leader Matt Ford had to settle for an even par 72 as he gave away two spots to slip to T3 with Ricardo Gonzalez. The duo are at 13-under 343, with Gonzalez making a 70 on Wednesday. Mikko Korhonen is currently second, the Finn shooting a 68 to take his score to 15-under 341.
- Renato Paratore impressed with a blistering 67 at the Q-School Final Stage event
If the 17 year old Italian is able to preserve his two shot lead on Thursday, he could become the youngest winner of the Q-School event on Thursday. Paratore showed no signs of his tender age as he went about taming the Stadium Course with a steady hand that betrayed his young age.
