Clarke Spark Sets Up Tilt At Claret Jug On Final Day At Sandwich

A third Irish Major winner in just over a year is on the cards as the Genial giant Darren Clarke looks to join Graeme McDowell & Rory McIlroy alongside Padraig Harrington as Major winners.

Darren Clarke will take a one-shot lead into the final round of the Open at Royal St George’s on Sunday. The 42-year-old escaped some brutal morning weather and fired a one-under 69 to edge to five under on a day of attrition on the Kent coast.

American Dustin Johnson climbed into second after sharing the joint best round of the day, a 68, with countryman Rickie Fowler. The 22-year-old Fowler’s impressive score, despite enduring some of the worst of the driving rain and 35mph winds, took him up to a tie for third with first-round co-leader Thomas Bjorn (71) of Denmark. Spain’s Miguel Angel Jimenez slipped to a two-over 72 to end one under alongside joint overnight leader Lucas Glover (73) of America. World number six Phil Mickelson headlined a group at level par comprising fellow American Anthony Kim (70), US Ryder Cup captain Davis Love (72), Germany’s world number three Martin Kaymer, Dane Anders Hansen (72) and South African George Coetzee (72).US Open champion Rory McIlroy struggled to a round of 74.

Clarke, who was second at Royal Troon in 1997 and third at Royal Lytham in 2001, went off in the last group as the driving rain and 35mph gusting wind was abating. Despite a birdie at the first he was unable to stretch further clear and swapped two more birdies with two bogeys in evening sunshine.

“I’ve a pretty decent chance. A major is always tough to win, but I’ve put myself in position,From tee to green I can’t really play any better. I had one of those days where I had full control of my ball flight, but I didn’t have the speed with my putting at all. If somebody had said before the start I could have 69, though, I would have bitten their hand off. I think most of the crowd identify with a guy who’s not quite an athlete and likes a pint.”

Bob "The Voice" McKenzie Twitter: @BobTheVoice About: