Clarke takes share of KLM lead

KLM Open Update: Darren Clarke stormed to the top of the leaderboard on the second day of the KLM Open as he attempts to show Ryder Cup captain Nick Faldo he is worthy of a wild card pick for next month's showdown in Valhalla.

Clarke, who turned 40 last week, carded a flawless six-under par 64 containing six birdies in all at Kennemer Golf and Country Club in Zandvoort in the Netherlands. He is tied for the midway lead on eight-under alongside England Robert Rock, who also shot 64, and Sweden's Alexander Noren (66).

This was Clarke's lowest round on the European Tour event since his magical 60 during the 1999 European Open at The K-Club.

"I need to play well this week and next week and so far this week I've done that," said Clarke, who kept a bogey off his card on a Kennemer course he had never seen until this week.

"If Nick then feels I am worthy of a pick so be it. If not then that's acceptable.

"I was just very relaxed out there. With the boys (sons Tyrone and Conor) here I've got to be on my best behaviour and my attitude is just pretty good.

"I've taken a lot of pressure off myself and feel comfortable. I've been playing well and I'm in a good position now."

Clarke, a veteran of five Ryder Cups since his debut in 1997 and on the winning side four times, must rely on a wild card pick if he is to feature at Valhalla in Kentucky next month. He is currently 23rd on the world list and 25th on the European standings.

The Dungannon pro ended a barren run earlier this year when he secured the BMW Asian Open in Shanghai in April. He has this week and next week's Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles - the final counting event before the European team is confirmed - to convince Faldo.

The six-time major winner has two wild cards to hand out on Sunday week and Paul Casey is probably favourite for one of them after his recent run, while runner up to Pádraig Harrington in the British Open at Birkdale, Ian Poulter, still has hopes of being one of the 10 to qualify automatically.

Damien McGrane was next of the Irish on four-under after today's 69, one better than Paul McGinley who shot 68.

Rory McIlroy also shot 68 but at two-over he is on the wrong side of the cut mark which is projected at level par. Peter Lawrie (+3), Gary Murphy (+5) and Mark Campbell (+17) will also have the weekend off.