Two-way tie for first at Open de France

PARIS, July 7 (UPI) -- David Howell shot a 67 Saturday to take a share of the lead at the Open de France alongside Anders Hansen.

Howell, who is seeking his first European Tour victory since 2006, sank five birdies to go six-under 207 for the tournament, one stroke ahead of George Coetzee.

Howell notch one of the birds on the par-3 16 when he dropped his tee shot within 3 feet of the cup.

Hansen, who last won on the tour in 2009, bogeyed the 16th and 17th holes for a round of 69.

Marcel Siem, the leader after two rounds, slopped to a 73 and fell into a fourth-place tie with Frenchman Raphael Jacquelin at 209.

Play was suspended for a short period Saturday due to rain moving through the Paris area.