BATTLING Gary Emerson overcame an early setback to his fourth round to remain on course to win back his playing privileges at the European Tour Qualifying School in Spain.

The 44-year-old Wimborne player carded a triple bogey seven on the second hole at the Old Course in San Roque.

But Emerson, who had birdied the first hole, bounced back with birdies at the fourth and ninth before securing an eagle three at the 528-yard 10th.

Although he gave back the shots with bogeys on the next two holes, Emerson steadied the ship once more with birdies at the 13th and last for third consecutive one-under-par 71 for a three-under-par total.

Emerson goes into Monday's penultimate round of this gruelling examination sharing 25th place. Only the top 30 players and ties will win a European Tour card for next season.

Fellow Dorset professional Lee James, meanwhile, needs to improve his position after disappointing rounds of 74 and 73 at the weekend.

James carded three birdies at the fifth, ninth and 18th holes but suffered a double bogey six at the sixth and dropped further shots at the eighth and 16th on Sunday.

But the former British Amateur champion is only two shots behind the qualifying mark and starts his fifth round in a tie for 47th place.

Home favourite Pablo Larrazabal and South African Thomas Aiken were the joint leaders on 10 under par.

Only the top 70 players and ties, out of an original field of 156, play the final two days.