Ballymena's Dermot McElroy needs a low final round to earn a strong Challenge Tour card following the PGA Europro Tour's Matchroom Tour Championship at Slaley Hall.

The former West of Ireland champion shot a six-over 78 to lie tied 52nd on 10-over heading into today's final round.

Scores

He's projected to fall from fifth to eighth in the Order of Merit, and while the top five will be awarded Challenge Tour cards, the next five players finishing in the top 15 in the points list will also get Category 20 status.

England's William Harrold looks set to make the biggest leap to second in the standings after a second-round 70 gave him a one-shot lead over compatriot Dan Brown and Scotland's Jack McDonald on six-under.