Clarke in driving seat, but Rory in rear mirror

DARREN CLARKE spent the build-up to this week’s British Open deflecting questions about his protegé Rory McIlroy.

“I’ve gushed enough,” said Clarke good-humouredly in reference to the newly-crowned US Open champion, while quietly preparing for his 20th participation in the tournament he loves most.

Two rounds in and having reached the halfway stage of the 140th Open Championship, it is McIlroy being required to answer questions about his mentor.