VERSAILLES, France -- England's John Bickerton shot a 1-under 70 on Friday to retain a one-shot lead after the second round of the French Open.

Bickerton is at 9-under 133, ahead of Scotland's Gary Orr, who is one back after a 65.

Jose Manuel Lara of Spain (68), Bradley Dredge of Wales (66), Michael Campbell of New Zealand (70) and Joakim Backstrom of Sweden (69) are at 135.

Bickerton, seeking his second European Tour win, bogeyed his first hole, regrouped with three birdies in his next eight, but then dropped shots at the 12th and 17th holes.

"I three-putted the first but really didn't get the pace of the greens today," he said. "Yesterday they were rolling nicely and today I was leaving a lot short on line. But it's not a bad score at the end of the day and I am still up there.

"I've got a wicked headache I think from concentration and dehydration."

Orr recorded the best score of the day as he sought his first win in six years. In 2000, he won the Algarve Portuguese Open and the Victor Chandler British Masters.

Since then, Orr has struggled, losing his playing card at the end of the 2004 season before regaining full membership last season with three top-10 finishes in his first four events.

England's David Howell, the leader on the European Tour Order of Merit, missed the cut after scores of 78 and 73 for a 9-over par 151.

Seve Ballesteros missed the cut with two rounds of 81 for a 20-over par. Also Friday, a nagging back injury forced European Ryder Cup captain Ian Woosnam to withdraw.

Former French Open champion Philip Walton of Ireland was disqualified earlier in the day when he failed to appear for his tee time.

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