Macron, Le Pen shown ahead in French prez race: projection

Far-right leader Marine Le Pen and centrist Emmanuel Macron were on course today to qualify for the runoff in France's presidential election, initial projections suggested.

If the first-round result is confirmed, it would put the eurosceptic, anti-immigration Le Pen within striking distance of the presidency in the May 7 vote seen as vital for the future of the ailing European Union.