Marc Warren is delighted to be in contention after two rounds at the weather-affected Andalucía Valderrama Masters hosted by the Sergio Garcia Foundation as he bids to retain his playing privileges.
The three-time European Tour winner was one shot behind first-round leader Ashley Chesters with nine holes of his second round remaining when the fourth weather delay of the week forced play to be abandoned for the night on Friday.
And he made good progress early on Saturday morning, mixing three birdies with two bogeys to join Chesters on five under before play was suspended again due to further inclement weather.
When the second round resumed at 11.40am local time, Warren dropped a shot at the eighth before safely parring the ninth - his last - to sign for a second-successive 69 which leaves him on four under par.
Warren came into the week in 144th place in the Race to Dubai Rankings presented by Rolex, knowing a big week would be required at Real Club Valderrama to retain his European Tour card.
And with tournament director José Maria Zamora announcing the event would be reduced to 54 holes on Saturday, Warren is in a very strong position heading into the final round.
He said: "It’s been a long two rounds of golf with all the delays we’ve had but I'm really pleased with the position I’m in.
"Four under after two rounds here is very pleasing. It’s tricky when you come back out after a storm, the wind is changing direction so the shot you thought you had is different.
"I fell foul of that on my second to last hole. The wind changed and we didn’t quite allow for it and made bogey. It’s tricky but it’s this golf course, it’s tough.
"You know what you’re going to get here so you have to hit good shots.
"I think if you’re in a good position close to the lead, 54 holes benefits you, you have 18 holes left to try to win the tournament.
"I’m not disappointed with that decision - 54 holes is fine and I think everyone understands the position the tournament director has been in this week with the weather.
"It’s been really tough but the whole staff, from green staff and everyone, have done a great job to get us out there."
Warren sits alongside Spanish pair Alvaro Quiros and Gonzalo Fernández-Castaño in a tie for third, six shots behind leader Sergio Garcia.
Fernández-Castaño is also in need of a strong finish as he began the week 125th in the Race to Dubai Rankings.
He said: "I’m very happy indeed. My goal this week was to finish in the top 15, that would probably keep my playing rights for next year.
"I think I gave myself a very good chance of doing that, going into the last round. Even maybe a chance of winning the tournament. I’m very happy with the way I have performed and hopefully we can keep it going tomorrow or Monday or whenever."
