David Howell

David Howell and Anders Hansen share the lead heading into the final round of the Open de France.

England's carded a four-under par 67 on Saturday to tie with Denmark's Hansen on 207, one shot ahead of third-placed George Coetzee from South Africa who had a round of 70.

France's Raphael Jacquelin and Marcel Siem, from Germany, are tied for fourth place on 209 while one shot back in equal sixth are England's Ian Poulter and Sweden's Henrik Stenson.

Howell impressed after starting at two under, surging into contention with a round of 67 containing five birdies and just one bogey.

"I played beautifully. It’s been three good rounds so far," Howell said.

"Today was probably the way you want to play the golf course. The way I played, I kept the ball on the whole in the fairway and took my chances when they came along.

"You've got to play steady golf around here. You can’t smash it all over the place and expect to score."

Hansen and Coetzee spent most of the round at the top of the leaderboard but both faltered late, with the Dane dropping shots at 16 and 17 while the South African had three bogies in six holes.

Despite his late wobble, Hansen declared himself satisfied with a round of 69 that leaves him well placed to claim a fourth European Tour title.

"I'm very pleased," he said.

"Obviously disappointed to drop shots on six and 16, and on 17 I hit a bad drive, but two bogeys on a tough, tough day like today; it's very decent.

"I've heard it's going to be very, very windy tomorrow. We'll see what's going to happen."