David Howell of England shot a 4-under 67 to share the lead with Anders Hansen of Denmark at 6-under after the third round of the French Open on Saturday.

Hansen finished with a 69. South African George Coetzee is one shot back after a 70. Overnight leader Marcel Siem of Germany had a 73 to fall two behind the leaders.

Howell, who shot 34 in his opening nine, added birdies on the 14th and 16th on his way back to the clubhouse just before a thunderstorm halted play.

Lee Westwood strained his groin when he slipped while walking to the first tee. He had a double-bogey on the opening hole and bogeyed the next five. He finished with a 76.