Irish pair sparkle under German sun

IRELAND'S big two of Darren Clarke and Padraig Harrington are back in contention for the €500,000 first prize at the coveted Deutsche Bank European TPC after enjoying productive days in the Heidelberg sunshine yesterday.

Clarke shot 67 for seven under overall to leave him four behind leader Alex Cejka, with Harrington a stroke worse off after a 68. All three benefited from playing in the early morning when there was almost total calm.

Later in the day the afternoon contingent had to contend with an ever-freshening wind, so all credit to Kilkenny's Gary Murphy who battled his way through the worst of the elements to survive into the weekend thanks to a highly commendable second nine of 35 with birdies at the short 13th and par four 14th.