Vote may pit Sarkozy against Hollande

PARIS, April 19 (UPI) -- As French President Nicolas Sarkozy's support for a second term wanes, poll numbers suggest a victory by Socialist candidate Francois Hollande appears possible.

Hollande could benefit from Sarkozy's waning popularity, pummeled by rising unemployment and an uncertain economic future, the polls indicated.

Ten candidates will face off in Sunday's first-round presidential vote. If no candidate receives a majority, the top two candidates will compete in a run-off May 6. MarketWatch reported since Sarkozy and Hollande remain within seven or eight points of each other in preliminary voter polls, they will probably compete in a run-off.