Golf: Clarke in with a shout

Darren Clarke still has a chance of winning the million-dollar first prize at the NEC World Championship with a round to go in Akron.

But Clarke is completely puzzled by how he is joint third, three behind Tiger Woods and five behind Jim Furyk.

"I'm eight under par and I feel as though I should be eight over," said Clarke after his 68. "My position is flattering considering the way I have hit the ball so far.

"It's a mixture of horrible and really good and I don't know what's coming next.

"My short game has been great, though. Some of my up and downs Seve would be proud of. Certainly some of the best of my career."

Yet three closing birdies from Furyk - and five in the last seven - have kept the American Ryder Cup player as favourite for the seven-figure first prize. He stands on the 13 under mark of 197.