HEREFORD'S David Park was tucked in just behind the leaders after the first round of Telefonica Madrid Open.
The Burghill Valley member recorded a fine three under par 68 on the Club de Campo course to lie five shots off the pace set by Ireland's Pardraig Harrington.
Droitwich's John Bickerton was just one shot behind Park in joint 35th place after a steady round of two under par 69.
Today Essex's Robert Coles was lying joint third after three holes of his second round today.
The 29-year-old from Hornchurch joined playing partner Des Smyth on six under par by following an opening bogey with a brace of birdies.
Coles currently lies a lowly 152nd on the Order of Merit and needs to climb 33 places to avoid a sixth trip to the tour qualifying school in eight years.
He would have to finish fourth on Sunday to make that leap, but even if he falls just short of that he would go to next week's Italian Open with renewed hope.
That is the final counting tournament event for those down the ladder.
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