BROKENHURST Manor amateur Liz Bennett has taken a giant step towards realising her dream of turning professional this week.

The 26-year-old is now halfway through the final stage of qualifying for the 2009 Ladies' European Tour and is well on course to achieve her aim.

Bennett followed yesterday's two-over-par first round in La Manga with a level par effort today.

That put England's number one amateur just inside the top 30 in the standings.

The top 50 will secure a card for next season, but the top 30 will be given a much better ranking, which would guarantee entry into most European Tour events this season.