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).

Bogeys at the first and 18th sandwiched birdies at the eighth, 12th and 14th as Clarke’s grip on the title was loosened. He trailed Hideki Kase, also of Japan, by five shots after the tournament leader fired his second 66 to go 12 under, and Katsumune Imai by two shots after his five-under 67.