History may repeat itself as Hansen win inspires Hansen

VERSAILLES, France, June 30 (Reuters) Soren Hansen is hoping history repeats itself after the Dane took a one-shot lead in today's French Open third round.

A five-under 66 moved Hansen to seven-under 206, a stroke better than the overnight leader from Britain Simon Khan, who carded a 70.

Hansen won his only title, the 2002 Irish Open, a few weeks after his namesake Anders Hansen claimed the PGA Championship.

And he is now in contention to win a second title just a few weeks after Anders clinched his second PGA Championship at Wentworth last month.

''It's a bit spooky,'' Hansen told a press conference. ''As well as Anders winning the 2002 PGA and me winning in Ireland four weeks later, we've had similar results on the order of merit for much of our careers.

''If you believe in superstition then we'll see tomorrow.'' Hansen, who currently languishes only 124th on the money list, is eyeing the 895,000 dollar first prize at the National course, one of the biggest purses of the year.

Briton Colin Montgomerie and Germany's Martin Kaymer are three strokes behind in third place.

Montgomerie, who has taken on Paul Casey's Ryder Cup bagman Craig Connelly, headed to the practice putting green after being held back by missing three short putts during his round of 71.

The eight-time European number one, who is confident he has regained the swing that won him seven of his orders of merit, is trying to end a 19-month victory drought.

''Tomorrow I have to prove I haven't forgotten how to win,'' Montgomerie told reporters.

Hansen has also made a switch, taking on former European number one Lee Westwood's 2006 Ryder Cup caddie John 'Scotchie' Graham, who has served in five matches against the US.

Graham has the reputation for being one of the best readers of greens in the caddying ranks and he came in handy for a closing 30ft birdie putt.

But it was all Hansen's own work on the par-five third when he hit a three-wood approach to just two inches for his eagle.

REUTERS AM KP2149