DOWNES Crediton assistant professional Chris Gill banked a cheque for £1,200 after finishing 49th in the Royal Challenge Indian Open at New Delhi.

This followed rounds of 70, 74, 69 and 75, but he has finished 97th overall on the Asian PGA Tour rankings.

He missed the opening event in Burma as there were no slots, then the Vietnam Open was cancelled because of the Sars pneumonia worries.

He withdrew from the Thai Open, despite lying in the top half-dozen, when he had the chance to play for more money in India.

He returns to the tour in September when it resumes. His target is to reach the top 65 and claim full playing rights for next year's Asian Tour.