JUBILANT Lee James passed his marathon Qualifying School examination with flying colours today to win back his European Tour card at a windswept San Roque.

The 1994 British Amateur champion was one of only three players to break 70 as he climbed 18 places for a share of sixth place in the final standings.

"I'm over the moon," said Parkstone-based James, who carded a three-under-par 69 on the New Course for a seven-under-par six-round total of 425.

"It was a tough day out there with at least a three-club wind. But I held my game together well and kept to my game plan by not taking too many risks."

James also revealed, in an exclusive interview with the Daily Echo, how close he came to giving up golf altogether until the intervention of Ringwood-based company Merlo UK in September.

"Without their sponsorship I wouldn't have had enough money to play golf for the past few months and it would have been a struggle even to get to Qualifying School.

"They also paid for my caddie this week which was a great help. I'd just like to say a big thank you to John Iles and Merlo for showing their faith in me."

James secured one of the 30 cards on offer with a string of three birdies on the back nine.

"I had a good stretch of holes on the back nine which helped take the pressure off," added James, who finished just four shots behind winner Martin Wiegele.

His mini-birdie blitz started at the tough 455-yard 14th when he hit a three-iron approach shot, into the wind, to within 20 feet of the pin and holed the putt.

On the following hole, James struck his drive more than 350 yards down wind which left him just a flick of a sand wedge to within 10 feet for another birdie.

And on the par five 16th he found the green in two with a three wood and two-putted from 20 feet for a four.

"That final birdie was a huge relief and meant I could relax from that point. Worst I could do was go bogey bogey which would still have been enough."

James must now decide when to rejoin the Tour schedule.

"If I can raise enough money I may go to New Zealand next week, but failing that I shall definitely go to South Africa the following week," said James.

Final flaw for Emerson

Gary Emerson's hopes of a 10th successive season on the European Tour were blown away after a disasterous final-round 80 saw him finish last of the qualifiers at San Roque this afternoon.

The 44-year-old Wimborne-based professional was on course to win back his card after four rounds before a 76 on Monday saw him slide down the leader board.

"I carded an eight and a seven in the fifth round and was playing catch up from there on," explained Emerson.

"I started today with a birdie but went out of bounds at the third while trying to reach the green in one. At that point had no choice but to press.

"I'm gutted because I have no idea where I go from here."