Clarke moves into outright lead in Japan

European Tour Member Darren Clarke improved his score and strengthened his grip on the Mitsui Sumitomo VISA Taiheiyo Masters in Japan as the tournament reached its halfway stage.

The ten time winner on The European Tour International Schedule shared the lead after his first round 66 but moved into a two shot lead outright on 13 under par 131 after his flawless second round 65, the nearest challenger to the Ulsterman being the host country’s Shingo Katayama, who added a 65 to his first round 68 for 133.

Clarke carded three birdies in his round but the highlights were eagle threes at two of the course’s par fives, the sixth and the 11th.

There was further European Tour interest in the upper echelons of the leaderboard as Clarke’s ISM stablemates Lee Westwood and Graeme McDowell also featured. Westwood carded a 69 to share sixth place on seven under par 137, while McDowell moved into a tie for 13th on six under par 138 after two 69s.

Courtsey of: www.europeantour.com