Brilliant back nine keeps Clarke in contention

Darren Clarke turned in a brilliant 32 on the back nine of the "inland links" he yesterday described as "stunningly difficult" to make a fine start to the Nissan Irish Open.

Clarke shot five birdies to make a very solid start at Carton House Golf Club, designed by Colin Montgomerie.

Wales Stephen Dodd and Sweden's Mattias Eliasson are the early leaders, both one shot ahead of Clarke.

Clarke is tied with a group on two other including fellow Irishman Damian Mooney, who had just one bogey on his round of 70.

Colin Montgomerie, the designer of the course, lies one shot further back on one under.

Padraig Harrington, recovering from a neck injury, lies one over after a topsy-turvy 73 today, which included a double bogey on 14.

Among the many Irish players Philip Walton also lies one over.