Hojgaard six clear in Paris as Caldwell leads Irish charge

Rasmus Hojgaard followed up Thursday's course record-equalling 62 with a 65 to hold a commanding six-shot lead at the halfway stage of the Cazoo Open de France.

Morning starter Hojgaard carded seven birdies and a single bogey on day two at Le Golf National to head into the clubhouse on 15 under par.

The chasing pack tried to close the gap in the afternoon but no-one could join the Dane in double figures under par, with France’s Paul Barjon his nearest challenger on nine under.

Jonathan Caldwell is best of the Irish at two under after a level-par second round 71, which featured five birdies, three bogeys and a double bogey on 18.

Niall Kearney made the weekend thanks to a second round 72, which left him right on the bubble on level par. A second round 77 put paid to Cormac Sharvin's chances of making the cut.

Hojgaard was pleased with his performance at the 2018 Ryder Cup venue and vowed not to change much over the weekend as he goes in search of a fourth DP World Tour title.

He said: "The course plays tricky, I just played very good as well today.

"I hit a lot of greens and gave myself some good chances.

"I kept the bogeys away, more or less, so it’s good.

"I’m not going to change much over the next couple of days. It’s been working fine so far.

"So again, go out there, be patient, see if I can limit the mistakes and make a few birdies."

Last week’s Italian Open winner Robert MacIntyre and his fellow Scot Grant Forrest were the leading British players, sitting in a tie for seventh on five under.