Slimmed-down Clarke muscles in on leaderboard

Darren Clarke put his new trim look to good effort by shooting his way to a three under 69 and a share of third place on the opening day of the Volvo Champions event in Durban.

Clarke, who also hasn’t tasted success since his British Open win in 2011, posted five birdies. The Irishman, who believes he’s played the Royal Durban course on some 13 occasions, capped his round at the second hole when he chipped-in for birdie 10 yards shy of the green.

But after it was revealed in the Irish Examiner earlier this week the former portly Portrushman has already shed three stone, Clarke’s now finding himself dealing with ever increasing questions on his new look.