Top Five Battle Hotting Up - 12/12/2007

WITH just six events remaining on the 2005 PGA EuroPro Tour, the battle for places at the head of the Order of Merit is closer than ever.

Andrew Willey's victory in The China Fleet International Open on Friday has seen him jump to sixth in the standings with £18,109.58 for the year.

That puts him within £200 of the all-important top five places, currently occupied by John Wade, Daniel Gaunt, Simon Robinson, Mark Smith and Phil Worthington.

Wade, the Order of Merit leader with £29,042.50, is almost guaranteed his place in the top five, which guarantees him a place in the Second Stage of European Tour Qualifying School, plus a 2006 Challenge Tour card.

Robinson's wins at the Swallow Suffolk Open and Oakley International Open recently boosted him up to third place, just over £1,000 behind Peugeot International winner Daniel Gaunt,

Mark Smith's amazing consistency - he has finished inside the top ten in nine out of 13 events this year - ensures him third place, despite not having taken the first prize in 2005.

Worthington currently occupies the final spot in the top five, and the importance of the placings has led to a number of players opting to play in this week's PokerMillion.Com Classic ahead of an invitation to the Challenge Tour event in Manchester.

Wade and Robinson will be joined by Richard Squire and Daniel Greenwood in competing at the Morson International Pro-Am Challenge at Marriott Worsley Park on the Challenge Tour.