Marc Warren now needs a top-four finish in the severely rain-affected Andalucia Valderrama Masters to avoid losing his European Tour card.
Warren heads into Sunday’s third and now final round having posted a pair of 69s to be sharing third place at four-under par on the famed former Ryder Cup host venue.
Spain’s and defending champ, Sergio Garcia stormed his way to four-shot 36-hole lead birding four of his closing five holes, and including his closing three, in a score of 64 to lead at 10-under par.
England’s Ashley Chesters (71) is lying second at six-under par.
Rain has played havoc with the Euro 2m event and forcing officials to reduce the tournament to 54-holes and advising players, if necessary, there will be a Monday finish.
Warren had played just nine holes of his second round on Friday before completing the remaining nine holes Saturday.
He said: “It’s been a long two rounds of golf with all the delays we’ve had but I’m really pleased with the position I’m in.
“Four under after two rounds here is very pleasing. It’s tricky when you come back out after a storm, the wind is changing direction so the shot you thought you had is different”.
Marc Warren needing to now finish fourth in Spain to reatin Tour card.
Warren arrived on the Costa del Sol lying 144th on the Race to Dubai and staring at losing full European Tour membership rights by failing to be among the top-116 on the money list in this the final ‘regular’ season event.
The Glaswegian is currently projected, and should he retain a share of third, to finish 111th on the money list that would ensure he retains full 2019 Tour membership.
Warren could still finish fourth on his own to just sneak into the top-116 while a share of fourth or worst would see the 37-year old three-time Tour winner being relegated to a 2019 season relying mainly on invitations.
He said: “If you’re in a good position close to the lead, 54 holes benefits you, you have 18 holes left to try to win the tournament.
“I’m not disappointed with that decision to go to 54 holes as it’s fine and I think everyone understands the position the tournament director has been in this week with the weather.
“It’s been really tough but the whole staff, from green staff and everyone, have done a great job to get us out there.”
And Richie Ramsay, who share 25th place at one-over par, is projected to miss out on retaining his card unless he can finish top-20 at worst.
