Jovan Rebula gave his chances of earning his DP World Tour card a shot in the arm on Thursday with his opening round of four-under-par 68 in the HotelPlanner Tour’s Rolex Grand Final at Club de Golf Alcanada in Port d’Alcúdia, Mallorca.

Rebula made five birdies and a bogey in the first round of the 45-man tour finale, and found himself in a share of sixth. That was three strokes off the lead which was held by Scotland’s Euan Walker with his bogey-free seven-under 65. His card included five birdies and an eagle. He was one clear of Italy’s Stefan Mazzoli and Felix Mory of France.

Rebula shared sixth with, amongst six others, the HotelPlanner Tour’s number one player, JC Ritchie. Ritchie has already secured his DP World Tour card by winning three times this season.

Rebula, however, headed into the final event in 22nd place, and needs a strong finish to climb inside the top 20 after the event who will win their playing privileges for next year.

Wilco Nienaber also needs a strong finish – in fact, he probably needs to finish inside the top 10 or higher – and he opened with a one-under 71 for a share of 22nd. He is currently 29th on the rankings.

Daniel van Tonder also opened with a one-under, but, at 11th on the rankings, he is all but certain to regain his DP World Tour status.