European challenge comes up short

AS Tiger Woods looked to be headed for his fourth green jacket and a return to the number one spot in the world in spite of a stout challenge from Chris DiMarco, the European challenge was once again coming up short in the Masters.

Thomas Bjorn, David Howell and Luke Donald all did themselves proud but none were even in sight of Woods and DiMarco when it came to the business end of the week. Bjorn spoiled his chance of a big finish by taking a double bogey seven at the 2nd where most are hopeful of a birdie.

Darren Clarke was the only one of the three Irishmen to make the cut, doing so on Saturday afternoon on the four over par mark. He went on to shoot 69 when the third round was completed yesterday, mixing six birdies with three birdies to get to one over.