Veteran Clarke remains in hunt for Ryder Cup berth
Saturday, 23 Aug 2008 19:36
Darren Clarke, who turned 40 last week, could play in the Ryder Cup at the expense of Colin Montgomerie.
Darren Clarke leads by three strokes going into the final round of the KLM Open in Holland.
The Ulsterman, looking to grab a wildcard spot for next month's Ryder Cup, carded 66 to lie on 12-under par.
Clarke leads Sweden's Henrik Stenson by three shots while England's John Bickerton is a further stroke back.
Denmark's Soren Hansen, who is also battling for a wildcard spot in Nick Faldo's team, is among a group of six players on six-under.
Clarke, 40, said he has timed his performance well, with Faldo picking his European team on August 31st.
"I came here to try to show Nick I have a bit of game and if I play well I have a great chance," Clarke said.
"I had lots of chances and hit a lot of really good shots - and a couple of poor ones, probably due to a lack of concentration.
"I'm playing with one of the great players in the world in Henrik again tomorrow, so it should be great. I knew I was playing OK and I've really enjoyed the course."
In contrast to Clarke's display, Justin Rose went round in 71 in his bid to secure his Ryder Cup place.
Rose, who is eighth in the points race, three-putted from inside 15 feet at the final hole. He may now need to play in the final qualifying event, the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles, to book his place for the clash with America at Valhalla.
Fellow Ryder Cup contender Oliver Wilson is at five under after a 66, while Soren Hansen is on six under after going round in 70.