DAVID Howell endured an eventful back nine as he qualified for the weekend at the European Masters by a shot on Friday.

Coming into the second round at Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club in the Swiss Alps on one-under par thanks to two late birdies in his previous round, Howell was once again reliant on an inspired late showing to ensure he stayed around at one of the most beautiful courses in world golf for two more days.

The 44-year-old was unable to carry that late positive momentum from round one into Friday’s action though, recording another bogey-five on the first hole as he was immediately pushed back to level par for the tournament.

Three pars followed before the two-time Ryder Cup winner made birdie-par-birdie on the fifth, sixth and seventh holes respectively to edge into the red overall.

Having reached the turn at two-under par and seemingly coasting towards a spot in the top 50, Howell began a series of four holes that threatened to end any hopes of a second made-cut in three European Tour appearances.

Bogey, bogey, par, bogey flashed up on Howell’s scorecard on 10, 11, 12 and 13 before the former Broome Manor pro took advantage of the two final par-fives to snatch a shot back on each and return to one-under par for the tournament.

Three pars, including one of the water-surrounded 18th, ensured Howell made the cut by a shot.