Michael Sims accelerated his charge for a US Professional Tour card yesterday as he completed the third round of Q-School with a magnificent five-under-par 67 – his best of the six-round tournament so far.

At the half-way mark of a competition in which players can earn the right to compete on the Nationwide Tour or even the far more lucrative PGA Tour, Sims is tied with 18 others in 101st place.

The 29-year-old Bermudian, who lost his right to play on the Nationwide Tour last year, started the day in 139th place but now finds himself just six shots behind the top 25, and in position to make a move over the following three rounds.

When the tournament finishes on Monday only the leading 25 plus ties will advance to the PGA Tour with as many as 50 more heading off to the Nationwide Tour.

In ideal conditions – 77F and little or no wind – Sims took full advantage as he tackled the par-72, 7,204-yard PGA West Nicklaus Tournament Course at La Quinta in California for the second successive day.

He got off to a flying start with a birdie at the par-four first but was back to even par with a bogey at the three-par third.

Then he switched into top gear, collecting four more birdies and an eagle at the par-five 15th which temporarily put him at six-under. A dropped shot at the par-three 17th slightly marred what was otherwise an impressive performance.

Having started the final stage of Q-School on Wednesday with a disappointing four-over 76 at the PGA West Stadium Course, where he returns for the fourth round today, the Georgia-based Sims now finds himself in the mix of those challenging for Tour status, and ahead of a number of well-known former Tour pros.

A three-under 69 in the second round at the same Nicklaus course he played yesterday propelled him 18 places up the leaderboard and yesterday's 67 lifted him another 38 spots in the 163-strong field.

James Nitties kept his overnight lead with a three-under 69 at the Nicklaus course yesterday, leaving him on top after 54 holes on 201 – 15 under.

Sims is now four-under-par on 212 after three rounds.