Colin Montgomerie expressed his disappointment that more of Europe's leading lights are not at the French Open this week - even though their absence could help him take the title.
A first prize of nearly £450,000 is on offer at Le Golf National near Paris, but Ian Poulter - rated 31st in the world - is the highest-ranked player on view.
"It's a shame and very, very disappointing," said Montgomerie after a 30-foot closing birdie putt lifted him alongside Ryder Cup team-mate Paul McGinley in second place at halfway, one behind England's Simon Khan.
"This tournament deserves better and I don't know why it should be. This is one of the best courses, if not the best, we play and there's no reason that I see why there should not be a stronger field.
"It's in a good run of events leading up to the Open Championship and it stands on its own."
Montgomerie, who has missed the cut in his last two events - including the US Open with a second-round 82 - followed up his opening 68 with a 70 to join McGinley on four under.
"The back nine is tougher and there's potential disaster around every corner. But I hit a five iron to inches on the 12th for a great birdie and the one on the last (a 470-yard par four with a green surrounded by water) was another one.
"One round does not make a summer, but two gives me confidence for rounds three and four. I've not put two rounds together all year, but that was good scoring."
Damien McGrane was also well placed on two under after s a second round 72 while Peter Lawrie was a shot further back after shooting the same score.
There was disappointment for Graeme McDowell who missed the cut by two shots after a 77 left him on six over. Gary Murphy was two further back following a disastrous 80 and Philip Walton, a former champion, withdrew.
The field should have had more stars, but Jose Maria Olazabal and David Howell pulled out through injury, Darren Clarke chose to play in America and US Open champion Angel Cabrera withdrew because he is still in Argentina.
Montgomerie played the first two rounds with Jean Van de Velde, but the Frenchman missed the cut on eight over and now faces 36 holes of qualifying at Sunningdale on Monday to try to get into the Open at Carnoustie, the course where he blew a three-shot lead on the final hole in 1999.
The Royal and Ancient Club have rejected the idea of a wildcard for him if he fails to earn a spot, but Montgomerie said: "If there was one you would almost give it to him. It would be nice to see him there."
