Top Bermuda amateur golfer Michael Sims faces a final round battle today in a desperate bid to advance from the first stage of PGA Tour Qualifying School from which he eventually hopes to emerge with his professional card.

Sims put together an even-par round of 72 at the Cypresswood Country Club in Spring, Texas, yesterday to remain on two-under par after three rounds.

Only the top 21 and ties from the tournament advance to the next qualifying stage and as of last night Sims was in a tie for 18th place with nine others, all on 214 after 54 holes.

However, more than a dozen others in the field of 75 were within two shots of that group.

Sims opened with a 72 on Tuesday, and followed with a round of two-under 70 on Wednesday.

Should he maintain his position today he will head for the second four-round qualifying event at a venue still to be determined.

The final six-round stage of qualifying is at Bear Lakes Country Club, in Palm Beach Florida.