Jean Van de Velde put last year's Carnoustie nightmare behind him to finish the second round of the Millennium Open five under par.

After a triple bogey at the final hole last year, when he lost a three shot lead and blew the play off, Van de Velde is now back in contention.

The flashy Frenchman carded a four under par 68, but again saved the drama until the end.

After a pinpoint chip on to the 18th green he made a six-foot putt and was delighted with his progress.

Disaster

He said: "I heard quite a few 'allez Jean's out there'. I had a lot of support.

"I am up there and that is all that matters."

Van de Velde has been cashing in on one of golf's greatest disasters, with television appearances and even his own wine label.

But since then he has been playing some great golf in both America and Europe.

It comes as no surprise to see him up there on the leaderboard.

Ironically, Paul Lawrie, who snatched the title from Van de Velde in dramatic fashion last year, is already out after he carded an awful nine over par 153.