Scots legion play catch-up in Lyon
Russell's round of 67 - the lowest of the day from the Scottish contingent - moved him to four under par, and he was joined on that mark by Scott Jamieson, who signed for a 69 for the second successive day.
Callum Macaulay and Elliott Saltman were one shot back on three under par after respective rounds of 69 and 74, whilst Jamie McLeary (70) and Andrew McArthur (69) squeezed under the cut line, which fell at two under par.
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Hide AdAfter a round of 67 Floren leads the way on ten under par, one shot ahead of Frenchman Adrien Bernadet and the English duo of Paul Dwyer and Charlie Ford, who shot a flawless round of 65 - the joint lowest of the day - to move to nine under par.
Dwyer was only one shot behind Ford for yesterday's round after shooting a 66.