Gravesend golf professional Claire Aitken has retained her European Tour playing card for 2010.

A disappointing 2009 season saw the 23-year-old, who is attached to Mid-Kent Golf Club, fail to automatically keep her card and have to compete in Final Qualifying at La Manga, Spain.

An impressive first round five-under par 68 on the South Course saw her get off to a great start but a poor 79 in the second round saw her slip down the field.

However, a level par 73 saw her make the cut and a fine 72 in the final round saw her finish 21st on 292.

The new season starts in New Zealand in February.

However, Danielle Masters, who lost her full playing card at the end of the 2008 season, shot 73, 78, 73 and 76 to miss out.

The 26-year-old, from Bearsted, finished 50th on eight over.