Bickerton holds off Orr's challenge

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2006

GUYANCOURT, France (AFP) — England's John Bickerton retained his position at the top of the French Open leaderboard despite an intense challenge from Gary Orr.

Bickerton, 36, leads Orr by one shot after following his first round 64 with a one-under-par 70, but the Scot is closing fast after an excellent round of 64.

New Zealander Michael Campbell is two shots off the lead after the 2005 US Open winner finished with a one-under 70.

Spain's Seve Ballesteros, 49, finished a dismal 20 over par in his first tournament since October.

European number one David Howell also missed the cut, for the first time since January, when he finished nine over par.

Bickerton had started with a bogey at the first but a birdie at nine put him on 10 under. But that...