THE ability to laugh at himself has always been one of Darren Clarke’s more likeable traits.

ALTHOUGH the first round lead is shared by the Scot Alastair Forsyth; Philip Price and South Africa’s Retief Goosen on six under par 66, the Irish challenge for the Smurfit European Champion at The K-Club is very much alive.

Darren Clarke spoke tonight about his concern for the wife of US Open runner-up Stephen Leaney – after he struck her on the head in the first round of the Smurfit European Open at the K Club near Dublin.