Els awaits Clarke decision for Euro crown

Confirmation was being awaited today that Ireland's Darren Clarke has decided not to play next week’s Madrid Open, giving the European Order of Merit title to Ernie Els.

Clarke had to win both in the Spanish capital and at the following week’s Volvo Masters at Valderrama to overtake Els – but only if the South African stuck to his original plan of not playing in either of them.

Earlier this week Els said he might go to the Volvo Masters, where last-place prize money would be enough to secure him the money list crown.

Clarke’s name does not appear on the entry list for Madrid, although he could still seek a late sponsor’s invitation.