Intro:

American Kevin Stadler celebrated Independence Day by taking a three-shot lead after the second round of the Alstom Open de France (French Open) at Le Golf National on Friday.

Script:

American Kevin Stadler celebrated Independence Day by claiming a three-shot lead at the Open de France on Friday.

Stadler carded a flawless opening 64 at Le Golf National and didn't drop his first shot of the tournament until his 32nd hole.

But after bouncing back in style with birdies on the next two holes, the world number 62 took double-bogey at the par-five ninth - his final hole - to finish with a second round of 3 under 68, for a three shot lead at 10 under par.

Stadler's nearest challenger is Parisian Victor Riu, whose only bogey in a round of 67 came on the 18th, here he was taking birdie at the par three 16th.

2012 Open de France champion Marcel Siem is two shots further back on five under after a one-over-par 72.

Siem was unable to replicate his form from his opening round of 6 under par, although he chipped in beautifully at the par four 17th for birdie.

Defending champion Graeme McDowell added a 69 to his opening 70 to finish three under par - good enough for a share of fourth place with six other players.

Playing partner Martin Kaymer, who won his second major title by eight shots last month, was a shot behind McDowell on two under after carding a 68 containing six birdies and three bogeys.