Former Irish Amateur champion Denis O'Sullivan, playing his rookie season as a professional, shot a five-under-par 64 to move into a tie for the lead going into the final round of the Elf Seniors Open in Pau, France.

The Corkman, who was the runner-up last week in Holland, picked up six birdies and dropped only one shot to draw level with former Ryder Cup player Brian Waites on six-under-par 132.

O'Sullivan said: "I didn't play as well as the first round but the difference was I holed some putts. "I haven't been able to line putts up properly so I drew a line on the ball and it worked.

"I've been second twice now and know I will win one, but there's no point trying to force it. A win will come soon enough."

Waites, searching for his first win in over a year, shot a second successive 66 which included three birdies and no bogeys. He said: "I haven't been in contention for a while so I'm very satisfied with the round."