STONEHAM’S Richard Bland came on strong in the final round of the Perth International to greatly improve his chances of earning a European Tour card for next season.

The Stoneham shot a two-under 70 today to finish in a tie for 17th, earning more than €20,000.

The 39-year-old had shot earlier rounds of 70, 69 and 76.

Bland’s winnings, in what is likely to be his penultimate event of the season, have moved him up into 114th in the Race to Dubai standings with the top 115 guaranteed a card for 2013. In reality, even the top 118 might be safe because the earnings of non-European Tour members are discounted.