Montgomerie hit eight birdies to grab a share of the lead

The Scot, who has only just recovered from a hand injury, shot birdies at the final four holes to move to 17 under par alongside the Dane.

Home favourite Hansen had notched up 10 birdies on his way to an impressive 62, equalling the Simon's Club course record.

But Montgomerie was never far away despite enduring a wobble at the 12th when he needed three putts to save par.

The 40-year-old, playing his first event since pulling out of the Open, shot eight birdies to card a solid 64 and stays right in contention for his first title since last November.

NORDIC OPEN LEADERBOARD (GB&Ire unless stated) -17 Soren Hansen (Den), Colin Montgomerie -16 David Gilford, Ian Poulter, Gregory Havret (Fra) -15 Brain Davis, Patrik Sjoland (Swe) Clubhouse scores in full

"I was eight behind (after the first round), and to shoot 65 and 64 is good golf and a big catch-up," said Montgomerie.

"I'm very happy, and it augurs well for the final round. It's going to be an exciting day.

"When I am in this position I usually do quite well, I hope it will be no different on Sunday."

It is the first time that a European Tour event has been staged in Denmark and Copenhagen-born Hansen had huge support as he completed a near flawless round.

"I was cheered onto every single hole and it's really important for the tournament that a Danish player is up there," he said.

"A lot of people are watching this week who don't know much about golf but this could be a springboard to something big and prove it's not only football in Denmark.

As long as I'm up there I don't mind - it's exciting either going out there to make birdies or trying to scramble for par Ian Poulter

"I felt confident from the start of the week because it's my home course and I know every bump."

Ian Poulter looked set to make it a three-way tie at the top when he reached 16 under with four holes to play, the same four both Hansen and Montgomerie had each played in four under.

But the 27-year-old Englishman, sporting a hairstyle featuring blond and dark brown stripes, could only manage four pars and had to settle for a round of 65 and one-shot deficit.

"It's going very nicely after a week off, it's just a shame I couldn't pick up another couple of birdies at the end," said Poulter.

"But 16 under par is definitely in with a shout. I have no preference whether it's a birdie shoot-out or trying to match par like in the Open.

"As long as I'm up there I don't mind. It's exciting either going out there to make loads of birdies or trying to hang in and scramble for par."

Poulter shares third with former Ryder Cup player David Gilford, who birdied the last three holes for a 67, and Gregory Havret who saw his two-shot overnight lead quickly wiped out but battled back with the help of an eagle at the 12th.