PARIS, Aug 24 (Reuters) - French far-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon is seen as the most likely rival to far-right candidate Marine Le Pen in next year's presidential run-off, a Monday poll showed, underlining a deeply polarised electorate as Emmanuel Macron's presidency draws to a close.
Melenchon, the candidate of the far-left France Unbowed (LFI) party, is seen reaching a run-off in at least three of the five scenarios polled, while he tied for second place in a fourth scenario. Le Pen is seen beating him easily in a run-off.
The poll makes sobering reading for France's centrist candidates who are struggling to reach an electorate that is increasingly polarised.
As Macron's second and final term comes to an end, the unpopular president leaves behind a hollowed-out political centre and weak economy, opening space for hardline parties, such as LFI and Le Pen's National Rally.
"The risk of Mrs Le Pen and Mr Melenchon facing each other in the second round is real and serious," centrist candidate Edouard Philippe told reporters on Monday.
Melenchon was seen winning around 16% to 17% in the first round, while Le Pen would get 35% to 38% of votes. Le Pen would win 64% of the votes against Melenchon in the run-off.
Melenchon has already run three times for president in 2012, 2017 and 2022 but has never managed to reach the second round.
(Reporting by Inti Landauro; Editing by Kate Mayberry)