SOUTHBOURNE-based Lee James goes into today's (November 16) final round of the qualifying school in Spain only two shots off an automatic European Tour place.

James bogeyed two of the last three holes to finish his fifth round on three-over-par 75 on the old course at San Roque to slip out of a tied 30th place yesterday.

Instead, the former British amateur champion slid down to tied 44th on an aggregate total of 368 (76-72-71-74-75).

He is chasing a top 35 place to regain his tour playing privileges after losing his card last season.

James, who has bogeyed the final hole on the old and new courses at San Roque four times in five attempts over the past five days, was due to play his sixth round on the new course today.

He birdied two holes yesterday, the fifth and the 13th, but bogeyed five, the first, sixth, 11th, 16th and 18th.

James is one of 11 players locked on 368, while there are another four tied on 367.

They are all chasing nine players who are deadlocked on six-over-par 366 who are currently tied in 30th spot, which would see them automatically qualify for a tour place.

The wonderful camaraderie which embodies the game of golf was emphasised once again by the two players tied for the lead - Francois Delamontagne and Simon Wakefield.

Despite vying for the coveted number one Tour card, the Frenchman and his English opponent took time out to enjoy each other's company and indulge in some banter as they finished on six under par 282 after respective fourth rounds of 74 and 73 in the tough, windy conditions.

"We've got on all year because we have played together a few times on Tour and he is a great guy," said Wakefield of Delamo-ntagne. "I pulled his leg this morning when he said he was from Brittany and I told him that if that was the case, he was almost English! He gave me a bit of filthy look when I said it but it was all in good fun."