NORTH-EAST duo Graeme Storm and Kenneth Ferrie have made confident starts to the French Open and are in good shape to make the cut.

Both golfers shot an opening round 70, one under par, at Le Golf National and sit in a healthy tied 35th place going into today's second round.

Despite their promising openings, the pair still have tough tasks on their hands to force themselves into the top ten after blistering starts from a number of men - including former Open champion Jean van de Velde.

Hartlepool's Storm, in particular, should have been higher up the leaderboard but his four birdies were overshadowed by a triple bogey eight at the par five 14th hole.

Ashington's Ferrie had to battle back after a double bogey at the par three second and did by recording birdies at the third, tenth and 11th.

Velde matched his lowest-ever round in Europe - and now has the chance to resurrect a tour career he feared could be over.

Playing on a sponsor's invitation after losing his card following two knee operations, the 39-year-old - forever to be remembered for a closing triple bogey seven at the 1999 Open - fired a seven under par 64.

Van de Velde leads by one from England's Jonathan Lomas overnight, but half the 156-strong field have still to complete their first round after a thunderstorm halted things in mid-afternoon.

The former Ryder Cup player has given himself just until the end of next season to get back on the circuit.

Still far from 100 per cent fit and 709th on the world rankings, he said: ''There have been times when I have thought I would have to call it a day. Golf has given me plenty and I hope will continue to, but I'm not here to punish myself.''

And Van de Velde added that if he suffers yet another setback in his rehabilitation ''I will have to consider doing something else.

''There's no doubt I can hit the ball and there are a lot of good signs, but there are a lot of questions marks too.

''At the end of the day all I'm worried about is being able to play and not be in pain where it's unbearable.''

Published: 24/06/2005