Clarke retires from BMW PGA as wife taken to hospital

Darren Clarke has been forced to withdraw from the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

His ill wife Heather has been rushed to hospital for a procedure.

Meanwhile, leader Peter Hedblom is set to resume on 11 under, three clear of Paul McGinley.

Nick O'Hern lies third on seven under, one ahead of Peter Hanson and Padraig Harrington.

In February Clarke talked of the many messages of support he and his wife had received after the return of her cancer.

Following her fourth bout of chemotherapy he commented: “We met with the oncologist beforehand and he told us that the results have been dramatic and everything is working in the right direction.

“It’s taken a lot out of her, but she is coping unbelievably well and keen for me to get playing again. My schedule will depend on how she progresses.”