Clarke slips off pace

Defending champion Darren Clarke lost his share of the lead after the second round of the Taiheiyo Masters in Japan.

The Ulsterman, who carded a six-under 66 in the first round yesterday, slipped down the field after following that up with a one-under 71 to share third place overall with home players Katsumasa Miyamoto – who produced a tremendous 64 - and Daisuke Maruyama (68).