France's Sarkozy extends lead over Royal - poll

PARIS, May 3 (Reuters) France's right-wing presidential candidate Nicolas Sarkozy has extended his lead over Socialist rival Segolene Royal ahead of Sunday's second round vote, according to a new poll today.

The CSA survey for Le Parisien newspaper and i-Tele television station said Sarkozy had the backing of 53 per cent of voters against 47 per cent for Royal.

The poll was carried out today, after a television debate between the two today night.

The previous CSA poll taken on April 25 gave Sarkozy support of 52 per cent and 48 per cent for Royal.

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