Clarke rallies for even par as Pádraig on the brink

Darren Clarke and Pádraig Harrington are searching for some missing links in their games after struggling on day one at Royal Liverpool yesterday.

Clarke was unhappy with his iron play despite coming back from three over after seven holes to post a level par 72 alongside five-time Open champion Tom Watson and pal Jim Furyk.

But Harrington was even more disappointed as he three-putted three times for a two over 74 that leaves him facing a real battle to make the cut for the top 70 and ties today.