VERSAILLES, France: England’s David Howell showed a welcome return to form by firing a four-under 67 at Le Golf National near Versailles yesterday to share the third round lead in the French Open.
The 37-year-old former Ryder Cup star has been beset by injuries and loss of form for the last few years after he was ranked ninth in the world in 2006.
But he has been gradually working his way back to form last year and this and had made the cut in his last five European Tour events coming into Paris.
Howell ended the day at six-under-par 207, level with Anders Hansen of Denmark who had a 69 on a day when thunderstorms again forced a suspension of play in mid-afternoon.
The pair will go into today’s final round one stroke clear of South Africa’s George Coetzee (70) with home hope Raphael Jacquelin and Marcel Siem of Germany level on four under after both had rounds of 68.
Ian Poulter of England and Henrik Stenson of Sweden were both still in contention a further stroke back after rounds of 69.
Lee Westwood, meanwhile, had a tough day, tweaking a knee and straining a groin when he slipped walking to the first tee which could hamper his prospects of finally winning a major title at the British Open later this month.
The world No.3 understandably shortly after made a horrendous start with a double bogey followed by five bogeys and he stood at seven over through six holes.
He did recover somewhat with two birdies down the back nine to come in with a 76 - his worst score in Europe for over three years - but at six over for the tournament his chances of mounting a challenge were quashed.
Howell back to form at French Open
