Former champion Lysa Jones booked a return to the final of the Glenmuir Women's PGA Professional Championship after finishing joint top in the qualifier at Dunham Forest in Altrincham.
Jones, of The Oaks Golf Club in York, birdied the 349-yard last for a one-over-par 73 which put her level at the top with Emma Prentice (Gog Magog).
Qualification had looked in doubt when the 2005 champion reached the turn at two over with three bogey fives on her card and a solitary birdie in six holes from the fourth.
However, back-to-back birdies at 11 and 12 put her back on course and although she dropped shots at the 13th and 15th she was still in line to take one of the seven qualifying spots before a three at the last gave her a share of first.
Play had been affected by a three-hour rain-delay mid-round and Jones admitted it had been a disruption.
"We got to the second hole and then play was suspended and it is hard because it breaks up your routine and rhythm," she said.
"It was a difficult day but you have to stay focused."
Jones added: "I won this event in 2005 and I'm really pleased to have qualified again.
"I always enjoy the Glenmuir, they look after you well."
The York-based golfer also credited her colleague at The Oaks Graham Walker, a renowned coach who has been on hand to offer advice when necessary.
"He is one of the top coaches in England and he just inspires me both with my coaching and my own game," said the 36-year-old, who has been at The Oaks for four years.
For Prentice, out slightly earlier than Jones, the rain break came as something of a relief.
"I'd only managed to play four holes and was two over at the rain delay but returned to finish one over," said the 31-year-old head assistant, who after the break began par-birdie-bogey-birdie.
"Qualifying was the important thing so finishing as joint winner was just a bonus."
Prentice's only other appearance in the final came in 2005, coincidentally when Jones won the title at Woodhall Spa, and although she could not force her way into contention she feels that appearance will help her this year.
"I didn't do particularly well but it was a good experience and I can draw on that," said the Cambridge-based player.
"My game is in good nick considering I'm not playing much."
A shot behind in joint third were Joanne Pritchard (Pontypool) and Alison Gray (Ormskirk) with Sara Clinton (Herne Bay), Gillian Stewart (Gillian Stewart Golf) and Tracy Loveys (Bigbury) completing the qualifiers with three-over rounds of 75.
The final will be held at Moortown Golf Club, Leeds, from July 31 to August 1.