Max Kennedy staged a gutsy back nine fightback to keep his card hopes on life support at the Final Stage of the weather-delayed DP World Tour Qualifying School in Spain.

The Royal Dublin amateur (23) was two-over after six holes in the fifth round of the marathon six-round race to make the top 20 and ties who will be awarded cards.

But he recovered brilliantly on the front nine on the Lakes Course at Infinitum Golf in Tarragona, rolling in four birdies in an error-free back nine of 31.

A two-under 69 left the Dubliner tied for 42nd on 10 under, four shots outside the all-important top 20 when play was suspended late in the day due to lightning.

Ryder Cup assistant captain Edoardo Molinari extended his lead through 15 holes before play was suspended for the day. 

Two clear overnight, the Italian led by three strokes from Swede Nikas Lemke and South African Justin Harding on 24 under, with Danish amateur Jacob Skov Olesen alone in fourth on 19 under.

The top 20 and ties were at 14 under par, likely leaving Kennedy needing a closing round in the sixties to win his card.