David Howell and Stephen Dodd, involved in a play-off for the Irish Open three months ago, went in completely opposite directions in the second round of the €5.9m NEC world championship in Akron today.

David Howell started to make up for lost time today when he moved onto the leaderboard at the NEC World Championship in Akron.

Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh and Henrik Stenson are tied for the lead after the first round of the NEC world championship in Ohio today.

Davis Love had Tiger Woods in hot pursuit after making a brilliant start to the NEC world championship in Akron today.

Tiger Woods, who could not quite make up a 15-shot deficit in the US PGA championship last week, was quickly on the leaderboard at the NEC world championship in Akron today.

Old pros like Nick Faldo would have been less successful in the modern game because of the increasing emphasis on power rather than finesse, according to reigning US Open champion Michael Campbell, who has added his name to those unhappy about the direction golf is heading.

Stewart Cink, named as a wild card for America’s Ryder Cup team last Monday, made captain Hal Sutton feel even better about his choice when he won the NEC world championship in Akron.

Paul McGinley, the man who won the last Ryder Cup, today set up what should be a nail-biting climax to Europe’s 12-month race for automatic places next weekend.

Colin Montgomerie openly admits he is losing sleep. But there are more serious things than the Ryder Cup on his mind.

Tiger Woods reacted angrily today to ruining what could have been a brilliant start to the NEC world championship in Akron.

The battle for places in the Ryder Cup team was held up by torrential rain in Akron, Ohio, today.

The start of the NEC World Golf Championship in Akron – penultimate qualifying event for Europe’s Ryder Cup team – was delayed by over three hours today.

An inspired Darren Clarke got the better of Tiger Woods again in yet another million-dollar duel today – and this time on one of the world number one’s favourite courses.

NEC Invitational leaderboard

NEC Invitational leaderboard

Darren Clarke takes a one-stroke lead into the final round of one of golf’s richest events today.

Darren Clarke has hit the front in the World Golf Championship NEC Invitational at Akron, Ohio this evening.

British Open winner Ben Curtis finished his round of the NEC Invitational and made straight for the church for his wedding.

The latest head-to-head clash between Tiger Woods and Ernie Els – golf’s two leading players in the world rankings – was like a version of the good, the bad and the ugly today.

Darren Clarke got the better of Tiger Woods over the first nine holes of their NEC World Championship second round clash in Akron today – but not by the amount he had hoped.

Darren Clarke has made a blistering start to his second round in the NEC World Golf Championship and is now leading the event.

Fred Funk, one of the US Tour’s shortest hitters, has stormed up the leaderboard with an eight-under-par second round at the WGC-NEC Invitational at Akron, Ohio.

Ireland's Darren Clarke, the only European to capture one of golf’s World Championship titles, is in the hunt for another after a superb 65 in Akron.

Darren Clarke decided to go on the attack in Seattle today – and was left wishing he had done it ages ago.

Latest leading positions in the first round of the World Golf Championships NEC Invitational at Sahalee Country Club, Seattle, today (USA unless stated):

Lee Westwood experienced a feeling he has not had for a long, long time today - leading a golf tournament.

NEC invitational, Seattle, Leaderboard

Tiger Woods sank a birdie putt to claim his third straight World Golf Championships-NEC Invitational title.

Play has just resumed in the NEC invitational play-off between Tiger Woods and Jom Furyk.

Play has been suspended in the sudden death play-off between Tiger Woods and Jim Furyk in the NEC invitational tournament.

A sudden death play-off is underway between Tiger Woods and Jim Furyk in the NEC invitational tournament in Ohio.

Darren Clarke has picked up two shots to be at nine under par at the NEC invitation tournament.

Jim Furyk is now 13 under in the NEC invitation tournament.

Darren Clarke still has a chance of winning the million-dollar first prize at the NEC World Championship with a round to go in Akron.