Graeme McDowell, who has either won or missed the cut in each of his last seven events, has the chance to maintain that odd record in the final round of the Alstom Open de France today.

McDowell carded a third-round 70 at Le Golf National outside Paris to finish five under par and share the lead with South Africa's Richard Sterne as the 2018 Ryder Cup venue again proved a tough proposition.

Scot Marc Warren, meanwhile, did his chances of qualifying for The Open no harm, shooting 70 to tie for eighth.

It would now take a catastrophic collapse, combined with a leaderboard surge from another contender, to scupper his chances of reaching Muirfield.

Most other Scots in the field didn't fare as well, however. Stephen Gallacher – still in with a chance of an Open berth himself – shot four-over 75 to slip to a share of 19th with Richie Ramsay and Chris Doak, who carded 73 and 72 respectively.

David Drysdale made a respectable 69 to join them on level par, while Scott Henry shot 74 to finish on two over, seven shots behind the leaders.

It was a terrible day for Scott Jamieson, however, whose recent good form deserted him on his way to a disappointing 80 and a share of 54th place.

Nearer the top of the leaderboard, England's David Howell, Austria's Bernd Wiesberger and Australian Richard Green all are just a shot behind McDowell and Sterne, with Denmark's Thomas Bjorn just three back despite hitting two tee shots on par-3s into water.

Only 18 players finished the third round under par. Asked about the prospect of securing a third win of the season this afternoon, McDowell said: "I hadn't really thought about it but thanks for pointing that out! I hope I have the opportunity.

"[The course] is going to be phenomenal come 2018. The last four holes are as dramatic a risk-reward finish as you could imagine, with a combination of a natural ampitheatre.

"It's got the risk-reward with the water and it's fast and firm like a links course. It's a great combination."