Two bogeys in his last three holes cost Simon Thornton a place in next week's Challenge Tour Grand Final.

Third win of the season for MolinariThe former Royal County Down assistant bogeyed the 16th and 18th at Olgiata to finish tied for sixth behind winner Edoardo Molinari in the Italian Federation Cup.

As a result he finished up €3,658 short of the top 45 in the rankings who qualified for the season ending championship in southern Italy.

Ranked 64th in the money list starting the week, Thornton closed with a one under par 71 to share sixth place with Benjamin Herbert of France and earn €5,400.

Simon Thornton produced hot finish in Rome to remain on track for next week’s Challenge Tour Grand Final.

Edoardo MolinariThe overnight leader birdied three of his last four holes to post a three under par 69 and trail rankings leader and home favourite Edoardo Molinari by a shot in the €150,000 Italian Federation Cup at Olgiata.

Molinari, who has already won twice on the Challenge Tour this season, added a flawless 65 to his opening 66 to move one shot clear of Thornton, Belgium’s Nicolas Colsaerts and Welshman Rhys Davies on 11 under par.

Simon Thornton came into the Italian Federation Cup in need of a big performance and duly got off to the perfect start with a round of 65 to grab the lead on the opening day of the €150,000 event.

With over 100 players jostling for the 45 places available at next week’s season-ending Apulia San Domenico Grand Final, the pressure is on at Olgiata GC in Rome, Italy.