AN EXPLOSIVE finish to his second round fired Dorset's Lee James up the European Tour Qualifying School leader board at San Roque in Spain on Friday.

The 1994 British Amateur champion, who started at the 10th hole on the Old Course, chalked up a birdie on his penultimate hole before sinking a 35-foot putt for an eagle at the ninth for a three-under-par score of 69.

James's fine finish also included a 20-foot putt for par on the short seventh hole. His heroics lifted him into a tie for 13th place with four rounds remaining.

"I putted much better today although the greens are still a little on the slow side," explained James.

"I'm pleased to make progress, but this is a marathon race and I have to stick in there and try to improve every day."

James's playing partner and fellow Dorset pro Gary Emerson, meanwhile, improved on his first day's score with a one-under-par 71 thanks to a birdie at the last for a share of 29th place.

In fact, Emerson had earlier moved up to third place with four birdies on his front nine before dropping back into the pack.

James and Emerson are battling to win back their playing privileges they both lost last season after finishing 202nd and 220th respectively on the 2007 order of merit.

There are 156 players chasing just 30 Tour cards (and ties) that will be dished out on Tuesday evening.

Leader after the second day is Spaniard Pablo Larrazabal on seven under par.