European Tour tee marker
Derek Gillespie of Oshawa, Ont., has advanced to the second stage of European Tour Qualifying School.
The Canadian Tour player finished in a tie for second at a qualifying event in Hardelot, France on Friday, carding rounds of 72-68-68 and 70. His 6-under total was just two shots back of American Kelly Kraft, who took medallist honours.
Gillespie played this past season on the Canadian Tour with a medical exemption after missing most of 2011 while recovering from serious injuries sustained in a car accident. He had a pair of top-10 results in eight starts this year with a fourth place finish at the Times Colonist Open being his best result.
The top 18 and ties advanced to the next stage which is scheduled to take place next month at four locations in Spain.
Meanwhile at another qualifying event in Italy, Cory Renfrew of Victoria, B.C. carded a final round 72 but missed the cut by a single stroke. He finished in a tie for 33rd and only the top 29 and ties from that event moved on. Three consecutive bogeys over his final nine holes didn't help Renfrew's cause, who won as a rookie on the Canadian Tour this year.
Chris Baryla of Vernon, B.C., Matt Johnston of Winnipeg and Mike Mezei of Lethbridge, Alta., all missed the cut as well.