Westwood plays on in Paris

Lee Westwood was able to play on in the Alstom French Open at Le Golf National near Paris today after hurting his right knee and groin before yesterday’s third round.

The world number three slipped as he walked to the tee and looked in danger of pulling out after dropping seven shots in his first six holes, but he battled on to a 76 and made a far better start this morning.

Westwood turned in a level-par 36, then birdied the 383-yard 10th to stand five over par. He was down in 40th spot, however, and 10 strokes behind joint overnight leaders David Howell and Anders Hansen.

Best of the Irish is Graeme McDowell on one under after a 71 yesterday, who tees off at midday, while Shane Lowry was out on the second on two over after yesterday's disappointing 74.