Denmark’s Anders Hansen set about ending a three-year victory drought to haul himself into the clubhouse lead on day two of the French Open at Versailles.

Hansen posted a second round three under par 68 to move to four under par but two shots behind overnight leader, Christian Nilsson of Sweden who was not due out to the afternoon.

Anders Hansen delighted to move into the lead on day two of the French Open. (Photo - Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)

Hansen, 41 had five birdies and just two bogeys on the 2018 Ryder Cup host venue to end his round one clear of England’s David Lynn (72) and Italian Francesco Molinari (68) who are in the clubhouse on three under par.

Hansen is no stranger to the National course having contested every French Open since 1999 with his best finish being third in 2002 behind England’s Malcolm McKenzie.

“I’m very proud of myself to keep doing what I’ve done, even though there’s a few shots that didn’t come as I wanted them to, but all in all, I’m still in the learning process of trying to figure this thing out,” he said.

“To go out on a course like this with a few new things in the golf swing is not exactly easy. When you get out there, you have to trust what you’re doing.

“The wind was picking up today. It’s difficult. It’s difficult out there. I don’t think it’s going to get a lot easier this afternoon, so all in all, very, very pleased with where I am.

“It’s very, very tight out there. I think they cut in the fairways this year just to make it even tougher for us. If you ask me, they need to keep it a little softer. If it’s going to play much firmer than this, it’s going to be very, very difficult.”

And also pleasing Hansen was a decision to again start working with renowned South African born coach, Jamie Gough.

World No. 19 Ian Poulter added a day two 69 to move to one under par.

However the most eventful round on day two goes to Dutchman Joost Luiten, whose first par came on his ninth hole and whose round of 69 contained seven birdies and six bogeys to leave him one over par.