Rory McIlroy stages back-nine rally to remain in Open de France contention

Rory McIlroy has overcome a poor start on day three of the 2016 Open de France to keep his title bid alive.

The 27-year-old was part of a five-way tie for the lead overnight after a second-round 66 at Le Golf National.

A double-bogey at the opening hole, however, set the tone for an outward 40, but he made five birdies on the back nine to finish with a score of one-under 70.

Thongchai Jaidee leads the field in Paris after a solid round of three-under 68, while Wang Jeunghun and McIlroy sit two shots behind the frontrunner.

Defending champion Bernd Wiesberger also shot one-under on Saturday, and he sits one shot behind Wang and McIlroy.