Clarke in control

Defending champion Darren Clarke carded a first-round 66, six under par, to share the lead in the Taiheiyo Masters in Japan.

Starting from the 10th, Clarke opened with three straight birdies and picked up further shots at the 14th and 18th.

The Ulsterman’s only bogey came on the 16th but he carded two more birdies on his back nine and needed just 24 putts.

Clarke shares the lead with American Christian Pena and Japan’s Hideki Kase.