Raymond Kane, one of Ireland's leading amateurs during the 1970s and 80s, is on course to start a belated professional career after a four-under-par 68 in the second round of the European Seniors Tour qualifying school in Turkey.

Kane's seven-birdie performance set a record for the year-old Nobilis course in Antalya and moved him to a one-under total of 143, just three shots off the lead held by Americans Jeff Van Wagenen, who matched Kane's 68, and Jay Horton (69) and Australian David Good (70).

Kane is a neighbour of Arnold O'Connor, who led the first round of qualifying with a 68 on the Gloria resort lay-out and followed up with a 74 at Nobilis to be in fourth spot at two under par. "It was Arnold who encouraged me to have a go at the senior Tour," said Kane.

Kane and O'Connor lead six Irish professionals among the 61 who made the cut at 150.