Clarke holds off the pack

A BIRDIE-BIRDIE finish allowed Darren Clarke to retain the lead in the PGA Championship at Wentworth yesterday.

The Irishman shot a three-under 69 to go nine-under for the tournament and keep his nose in front of a cluster of Europe's top golfers all snapping at his heels. Ryder Cup team-mates Niclas Fasth, Ian Woosnam, Paul McGinley, Jose Maria Olazabal and Colin Montgomerie are all within striking distance.

Fasth's second round five-under 67 put him within one shot of Clarke, Woosnam is only two adrift and McGinley, Montgomerie, Olazabal and Nick Faldo are only four back.