Slimline Clarke aims to take Dubai by storm

DARREN CLARKE confirmed yesterday he will contest the $2m Dubai Desert Classic from March 4-7 after a new health regime paid off in the PGA Tour’s season-opener.

The big Dungannon man finished third in the Mercedes Championship in Hawaii on Sunday after shedding 30 pounds and stopping smoking.

"I think the way I played towards the end of November, start of December, you couldn't really describe that as playing," said Clarke.