Fast start from Molinari in Paris

Francesco Molinari boosted both his French Open hopes and his chances of a second Ryder Cup cap with a fast start to his second round at Le Golf National near Paris today.

After resuming on the back nine the 29-year-old Italian birdied the 10th, 12th and short 16th to move up from 42nd place to joint seventh on three under par, three behind Swede Christian Nilsson.

Molinari, already with the Spanish Open title under his belt this season, is currently 13th in the race for places in Jose Maria Olazabal’s team, but could move into the top 10 this weekend.

Nilsson was among the later starters on day two, as were second-placed trio Gary Boyd, Matteo Manassero and Thongchai Jaidee.

Open champion Darren Clarke has dropped back to level par, six shots behind overnight leader Nilsson.

Shane Lowry tees off later from one under while Graeme McDowell is one over alongside Peter Lawrie.

Former cup team-mate Paul Casey was already resigned to making another early exit. Still to rediscover form after dislocating his shoulder snowboarding on Christmas Eve, Casey opened with an 80 and after setting off again with a birdie he bogeyed the next three and was next to last on 11 over.