Hansen soars as McGinley slides

After probably the greatest shot of his life Danish golfer Soren Hansen is in position to put the worst year of his golfing life firmly behind him tomorrow.

It would be almost spooky if the 33-year-old does indeed go on to lift the French Open at Le Golf National near Paris.

Five years ago compatriot Anders Hansen won the PGA Championship at Wentworth and five weeks later his namesake captured the Irish Open.

Now, five weeks after Anders won the same title again, Soren takes a one-stroke lead over Essex's Simon Khan into the final round.

The shot that was principally responsible for his best-of-the-day 66 was a 273-yard three-wood at the long third. It rolled up to within two inches of the flag for a tap-in eagle.

"I don't think I've hit a better shot, not under the circumstances," said Hansen.  "I was wondering if it was on TV, but I couldn't see a camera."

The most remarkable thing about his performance is that he has not had a single top 10 finish since last July and has fallen to 218th in the world and 124th on this season's Order of Merit.

"Since 1999 I've progressed every year, but the last half a year I can't say that. But the last month I've been hitting it really well and trying to get back to being the old Soren Hansen again."

Now a first prize of nearly £450,000 - nearly three times what he earned for his only previous Tour victory - is in his sights, especially after he put the icing on the cake with a 30-foot closing birdie putt.

Halfway leader Simon Khan had to birdie the difficult 17th to be only one behind, while Colin Montgomerie and German Martin Kaymer are three back in joint third, Montgomerie having had problems not only with his putting but also camera-clicking fans in his 71.

As for former boy wonder Zane Scotland, who has been hardly heard of since becoming the youngest player ever to come through a qualifying event for the Open Championship eight years ago, he climbed into a share of the lead early on, but slipped from fourth to eighth by bogeying the last two holes.

At two under, though, he is still battling for a huge cheque. Such has been his struggles since a 2003 car crash that simply making the halfway cut guaranteed him his biggest pay-day on the main Tour. His career earnings stand at under £6,000.

Scotland certainly had a better day than Ryder Cup hero Paul McGinley. Joint second with Montgomerie overnight, the Dubliner slumped to 18th with a 75.

Peter Lawrie leads the three-strong Irish challenge on one under par after a third round 71.  Damien McGrane is one over par after a 74.  PA