Last updated 11:45, Wednesday, 20 August 2008

GARY LOCKERBIE admits he’s virtually blown his chance of winning the European Challenge Tour order of merit – but is still confident of a top 10 finish.

The Cumbrian star, left, posted one of his best finishes of the season when he claimed fifth place in the Trophée du Golf Club de Genève in Switzerland, finishing 11-under-par with a four-round total of 277.

The event was won by Sweden’s Klas Eriksson, who fired in 11 birdies in an astonishing final round to finish on 14 under par, level with overnight leader Wil Besseling of the Netherlands and Brazilian Alexandre Rocha.

Lockerbie, who flew on to Prague on Monday in preparation for his next event, is currently 25th in the Challenge Tour order of merit.

A top 10 finish will guarantee his full European Tour card for next year, and he admits it could be make-or-break over the next few weeks which will see him play Holland, China and Kazakhstan. The 25-year-old former Walker Cup player, from Penrith, said: “A top 10 place is still attainable because there are some big events coming up.

“My chances of winning the order of merit are not altogether over, but it will be highly unlikely unless I win in Kazakhstan and China.

“There is still a good chance I’ll make the top 10 so there is a lot to aim for.”