Englishman Simon Dyson claimed he played the best round of his life after a five-under-par 66 left him two shots off the lead at the end of the first day of the Castello Masters.
The 30-year-old needs a good week in Spain to secure entry to next week's season-ending Volvo Masters at Valderrama, where last year he lost out in a play-off to Justin Rose.
He was 62nd on the European Tour's Order of Merit heading into this event and only the top 60 players qualify, but he was delighted with the way he played and hopes the rich vein of form continues.
"That was probably as good as it gets," said Dyson, who trailed leader Soren Kjeldsen by two shots.
"It's the best I've ever played tee to green. It was nearly a perfect round.
"I gave myself a lot of chances and I didn't ever feel there was a danger I wouldn't make par.
"My putting was good - the greens were immaculate. I've been playing well all season but haven't been putting well. I'm trying to be more positive and it's done me some good.
"Last week was great as I birdied the last two holes which moved me up to 62nd in the Order of Merit."
When asked about his chances of winning the title this week, Dyson insisted he is not getting carried away and that his main aim is qualifying for the Volvo Masters.
"I need another good week to get into Valderrama," he added.
"But I'm feeling good and hitting the ball probably the best I've ever hit it. The shots I wanted to hit I pulled off every time.
"I've just got to keep taking every day as it comes and if I can carry on playing like this you never know. We'll see what happens."
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