Jean's big resurrection chance

JEAN VAN DE VELDE matched his lowest-ever round in Europe yesterday - and now has the chance to resurrect a tour career he feared could be over.

Playing on a sponsor's invitation at the French Open after losing his card following two knee operations, the 39-year-old - forever to be remembered for a closing triple bogey seven at the 1999 British Open - fired a seven under par 64 at Le Golf National.

Van de Velde leads by one from England's Jonathan Lomas overnight, but half the 156-strong field have still to complete their first round after a thunderstorm halted things in mid-afternoon. Ireland's Gary Murphy shot a 75.