Raymond Russell reaches make-or-break point in San Domenico

Raymond Russell will be aiming to make the last major step in his golfing comeback at this week's Apulia San Domenico Grand Final, the closing event of the European Challenge Tour season.

While his fellow Scots, George Murray and Scott Jamieson, both have European Tour places in their grasp heading into the 72-hole showdown in southern Italy, Russell sits just one place outside the promotion-winning top 20 on the order of merit.

From the obscurity of competing in regional PGA events, Russell has battled on and, having scored a win on the third-tier Alps Tour earlier this season, the Scot has claimed a brace of second place finishes on the Challenge Tour which have helped push him to the brink of a return to the top table.

"Golf isn't due me a living and you have to earn everything you get," said Russell. "Any pride I have in my career on the European Tour has to be left in the locker room. It's not been easy but I can either let it bother me and whine about how I should be higher up the ladder, or accept where I am and set targets to get me back to where I would rather be."

Fifer Murray, runner-up in last weekend's Egyptian Open, heads into the Italian showdown in eighth spot on the order of merit and in a strong position to secure a high category for the European circuit. Glasgow golfer Jamieson, 11th on the rankings, also has promotion in his sights and will be looking to continue his recent good run of form.

Jamie McLeary, the Scottish Hydro Challenge winner in 2008, is the fourth home hopeful in the 45-man field.