Golf: Clarke off to a flyer

Darren Clarke picked up where he left off when the Masters resumed at Augusta today.

The Northern Irishman, who finished his opening 72 with one of only nine birdies at the 18th all day, sank a curling 20-foot putt to kick off his second round with another birdie.

The 410-yard first also saw only nine threes in the first round and was ranked the second hardest hole on the course behind the 10th.

Clarke had never birdied it before in 11 attempts - he bogeyed it yesterday - so it was a real boost to his confidence as he set off in pursuit of overnight leader Chris DiMarco.

At one under par he was up to joint 21st place, six behind DiMarco, who was among the later starters on day two.

Clarke was playing with Ryder Cup team-mate Miguel Angel Jimenez, who was lying tied for seventh following his 68 and the Spaniard was off and running again with a solid two-putt par.

American Steve Stricker did the same to remain joint second with Argentina’s Angel Cabrera only a stroke behind DiMarco on six under.