Khan's only Tour win was the Wales Open in 2004

Essex's Simon Khan maintained his challenge for the French Open title with a third-round 70 to trail leader Soren Hansen by one shot.

Denmark's Hansen fired a five-under 66 to reach seven under, while Colin Montgomerie (71) and Germany's Martin Kaymer (69) were locked on four under.

Dane Thomas Bjorn was also in contention with a 71 for three under with David Lynn and Jeev Milka Singh.

English pair Ian Poulter (68) and Lee Westwood (69) edged to one under.

The 33-year-old Hansen, who like Montgomerie is employing a new caddie this week, hit a majestic three wood from 270 yards out to within two inches of the hole at the par-three third to kick-start his rise up the leaderboard.

I must say this was a fabulous round - it's a fantastic feeling Soren Hansen

The resulting eagle was followed by birdies at four, six and seven and a 30-footer at the 18th closed out his round in style.

"I must say this was a fabulous round. It's a fantastic feeling," he said.

Hansen won his only title, the 2002 Irish Open, a few weeks after countryman Anders Hansen claimed the PGA Championship.

And he is now in contention to win a second title just a few weeks after Anders clinched his second PGA Championship at Wentworth last month.

"It's a bit spooky," said Hansen. "If you believe in superstition then we'll see tomorrow."

Khan, 35, has just one European Tour victory to his name - the Wales Open in 2004, the year he finished a career-high 25th on the Order of Merit.

He also came second to countryman David Howell in the 2006 PGA Championship and has had two top-10 finishes this season.

Tomorrow is a big day for me to get out there and prove to myself that I haven't forgotten how to win Colin Montgomerie

"Soren's 66 was a great score today. We've both had an in and out season but he's a quality player and hopefully we can have a good game and fight it out," he said.

Montgomerie, seeking his first victory since December 2005, climbed to five under with a birdie at the fifth, but dropped a shot at the par-five 14th when he missed a four footer.

"One birdie all day and that was from one inch at the fifth. None of the putts went in," he said.

"I played as well today as I have in the last two days, if not better. I know exactly where the ball is going, but just can't seem to hole a putt.

"Tomorrow is a big day for me to get out there and prove to myself that I haven't forgotten how to win."

The French bid to produce a home winner for the third time in four years withered as both Raphael Jacquelin and Thomas Levet struggled.