England's Paul Casey set a hot pace in the Telefonica Madrid Open today - as a sad Sandy Lyle left his 25-year exempt status on the European tour hanging by a thread.
Casey, disappointed not to have won since the Benson and Hedges International Open at The Belfry, returned a sparkling eight under par 63 at Club de Campo.
Having started on the back nine Casey had four birdies to turn in 31, then made a 15-foot eagle putt and two more birdies to be three ahead of Swede Robert Karlsson and Australian left-hander Nick O'Hern.
The 26-year-old, seventh on this season's Order of Merit, made only one mistake, a bad drive on the 442-yard sixth leading to a bogey five.
Lyle, meanwhile, was next to last and a massive 14 strokes behind at six over with three to play. The 45-year-old Scot is a lowly 144th on this year's money list, but also 41st on the career money list - and with only 115 players earning cards for next season off the first table and 40 off the second he had to finish ninth at worst on Sunday just to have a chance of staying a full member.
Many players have spoken out about Lyle's situation, arguing that someone who won the Order of Merit three times as well as two majors and 23 other tournaments should have their achievements recognised.
Only yesterday Seve Ballesteros commented: "I think that's bad. Sandy is still a great champion and brings in people to the course. "He did a tremendous job and I think they should take that into consideration and change the rule."
Padraig Harrington added: "I can't see any sponsor not wanting Sandy Lyle to play in their event. I would still want to watch him and I think they should rejig the all-time money list."
Harrington made a good start to get to three under after seven holes while Paul McGinley dropped back to level par for the day after the Dubliner had been two under at one stage.
Peter Lawrie and Gary Murphy were afternoon starters and both were level after two holes. Graeme McDowell signed for a one over par 72.