Golf: Clarke four off the lead in Cologne

Darren Clarke is four shots off the lead at the German Masters in Cologne

after he carded a second round 67 to leave himself on nine under par going

into the weekend.

Clarke trails Bernhard Langer who is on thirteen under after he produced a sparkling round of 64 to surge into the lead. The German is two shots ahead of his nearest challengers: Fredrik Jacobson, Stephen Leaney and Greg Owen.

Englishmen Warren Bennett and David Lynn a further shot back on ten under.

Of the other Irish players in the field, Paul McGinley and Padraig Harrington are both on seven under par and Des Smyth is on two under par.