Hollande fends off Sarkozy debate attacks

French president Nicolas Sarkozy failed to deliver a knockout blow against leftist front-runner Francois Hollande in their only head-to-head debate in France's presidential campaign, the last major hurdle just four days before Sunday's election finale.

Mr Hollande, an understated man whom many expected to wither under Mr Sarkozy's sharp attacks, stood his ground, surprising some observers and even himself.