James Morrison was left to rue a mixed round of golf at the Open de France on Saturday but will still head into the final day in a share of the lead.

The Englishman carded a double bogey five at the second to lose the advantage of his overnight lead and while he did claw back some ground throughout the day, another double bogey on 17 and a bogey at 18 leaves him on -9, along with Mark Foster.

Scot Richie Ramsay is a further shot back in third, having recorded seven birdies and then two consecutive bogeys on the final two holes, while Martin Kaymer and Thomas Levet both went round in 67 to share fourth on six under.

Afterwards, Morrison said:

“It was not as up and down as it looked. I played pretty well all day. The double on the second I thought was a pretty good shot and I was very surprised to see it finish in the water. It’s pretty hard to start that way, especially (in) the final group.

“I battled back to get it back and then (it was a) poor finish really, a couple of wrong choices. I could easily have finished par, par and have a three-shot lead but that’s the way it goes. I’m playing well, I’m putting well and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”

Best of the Irish is Gareth Maybin on +1 after a second consecutive round of 72. Peter Lawrie is three over with Paul McGinley six over after three rounds. It was a day to forget for Michael Hoey, however, who had an eight on the 18th to finish up with a 79 for his efforts.