Valentine Derrey of France

In group A, Jodi Ewart, Amelia Lewis and Valentine Derrey were tied for the lead, on three under par, after the third round of Ladies European Tour Pre-Qualifying School for 2012 at La Manga Club in Murcia, Spain.

Of the three, England’s Ewart posted the best score on the North Course on Tuesday, a one under par 70, while American Lewis had a 72 and Frenchwoman Derrey a level par 71.

There are two tournament fields competing over four rounds on the North and South courses at La Manga Club alternately this week.

Players must finish in the top 35 places in their respective group after Wednesday’s fourth round in order to progress to the final stage, which will take place over five rounds at La Manga Club from Sunday.

Over on the South Course, England’s Hannah Burke of Mid Herts claimed the spotlight on Tuesday. She fired a bogey-free six under par 67 to establish a two stroke lead on seven under par.

Sweden’s Karin Sjodin was two strokes back on five under after a 68, followed by Chrisje de Vries and Anna Scott on two under.

In both group A and B, 35^th place currently lies at nine over par with 18 holes to play.