Darren Clarke achieved his first objective today as he continued his search for the form he hopes will help Europe win back the Ryder Cup next week.

German veteran Bernhard Langer insisted age would not prevent him from maintaining his challenge for the BMW International Open in Munich today.

The nightmare scenario looms ever nearer for Ryder Cup captain Sam Torrance - despite no fewer than 12 Europeans finishing in the top 20 of the Open.