Heartbreak for Higgins in Spain

Ireland’s David Higgins lost a seven-man play-off and missed out on progressing to the next round of qualifying for the European Tour by a single shot.

Lloyd Saltman, winner of the silver medal in the 2005 Open at St Andrews, came through the weather-delayed play-off to progress from stage two of the European Tour qualifying school.

The seven players were forced to return to the Sherry Golf in Jerez this morning to compete for the final qualifying spot after darkness prevented the play-off taking place on Saturday night.

The 23-year-old Saltman had closed with a four-under-par 68, and emerged triumphant at the first extra hole with a birdie from ten feet.

Elsewhere, Spanish veteran Santiago Luna completed a wire-to-wire win at Arcos Gardens.

The 45-year-old, a winner on the main tour in 1995, finished 18 under par for a comfortable five-shot victory over James Ruth of England.

Simon Thornton came through after a 72 while Scottish Amateur champion Callum Macaulay, fresh from helping Scotland win the Eisenhower Trophy last month, grabbed the 19th of 21 places on offer after a closing 68.