Wattel prolongs Clarke’s Thailand misery

DARREN CLARKE may have thanked or cursed French golfer Romain Wattel for missing a 20-foot birdie putt at the last hole on day two of the Thailand Golf Championship.

Clarke looked set to be heading home early after second round 76 on the Amata Spring course in Bangkok.

But when Wattel left the putt three inches short it meant Clarke would have another two rounds to complete his 2011 seasons.

Clarke’s second round was a mirror of his season post the British Open with a scorecard showing an 11th hole eagle, three birdies, two bogeys and three double bogeys.

Damian McGrane missed the cut after signing off for a three over par 75 to finish on 148. Niall Turner’s 2011 season also ended with a round of 76 to finish on 151.

Lee Westwood now seems unstoppable to end the year on a winning note after moving 11 shots clear of the field on 20-under par after adding a 64 to his opening career-best 60. If Westwood captures a fourth win this year he will overtake Rory McIlroy as number two in the world.