THINGS just got better and better for Richard Bland at last week's Portuguese Open.

Firmly entrenched in the European Tour's drop zone - those players below 115th in the order of merit - the 33-year-old gave his campaign a much-needed boost with a tie for 16th place over the Penina course.

Prize money of just under 17,000 euros propelled the right-hander up to 125th in the standings and within striking distance of the card-keeping top 115.

After opening with a round of 74 the Stoneham pro was in danger of missing his fifth consecutive cut, but he knuckled down for a second-round 70 to qualify for weekend golf and prize money on the button at level par (144).

Over Saturday and Sunday Bland really got to work.

Four birdies and an eagle, at Penina's par-five fifth hole, were offset by three dropped shots, but a round of 69 still made for a move up the field on Saturday.

Sunday's final 18 went even better, Bland pocketing seven birdies in a round of 68 to climb up the field into the top 20 and the big money.

Meanwhile, ex-Salisbury pro Gary Emerson finished tied 60th after rounds of 70, 73, 74 and 71. He still leads Bland in the order of merit standings, though, lying 120th - both players just under the 40,000 euros mark.

Hayling's Steve Richardson, in a a rare start on tour, missed the cut after rounds of 75 and 76.

Richardson, a former Ryder Cup player and tour winner, was eligible to play as a former winner (1991) of the tournament.