A SECOND straight level-par round was just enough for David Howell to make the cut at his first European Tour event of the 2017 season this morning.

Swindon star Howell made it back-to-back rounds of 70 at the UBS Hong Kong Open to ensure he qualified for the weekend’s action by a single shot.

Spaniard Rafa Cabrerra Bello will take a three-shot lead into the final two rounds after following up his opening six-under 64 with a five-under second round of 65 to reach 11-under.

Howell got off to a tricky start at the Hong Kong Golf Club this morning, with the Broome Manor man opening up with a bogey five at the first hole.

He swiftly got the ball rolling with consecutive birdies on the third and fourth holes but still reached the turn over-par after further dropped shots at holes five and seven.

The 41-year-old’s hopes of staying around for the weekend looked to be disappearing further when he dropped to two-over with another bogey at the short 12th hole.

However, Howell was able to steady the ship with a much-needed birdie on 13 before another at the 16th saw him claw his way back to level par, ensuring he will contest the final two rounds in Fanling.

Two-time Ryder Cup winner Howell will be in the fourth group out in the third round in the early hours of tomorrow morning, teeing off alongside India’s Arjun Atwal at 12.15am GMT.