JOHN MURRAY led five Irish qualifiers into the final two rounds of the British professional golf tour qualifying school.

Murray, now based at the Shortlands Club, shot a one under par 71 at the Windmill course to leave him in joint 13th place on 142, seven shots behind the leader, Darren Prosser. John Kelly, from Blanchardstown, shot a one over par 73 at Hawkstone for a share of 27th place on 144.

The other Irish qualifiers were Neil Manchip from Royal Co Down in joint 42nd place on 145, Jim Carvill from Warrenpoint in joint 73rd on 147 and Kenny Stevenson in joint 94th on 148. Galway's Hugh O'Neill finished on 155, missing the cut by six shots.