Clarke is big in Japan

Darren Clarke ended 12 months without a win today when a closing 30-foot eagle putt gave him victory in the Visa Taiheiyo Masters in Jaan for the second year running.

The 37-year-old Ryder Cup star, joint leader with Hideki Kase with a round to play, was one ahead on the final tee after getting up and down from sand on the 17th.

The eagle putt meant a 68 and a two-stroke win in Clarke’s first appearance since he pulled out of the Volvo Masters to return home to his wife Heather, who is battling cancer.

It was the 15th success of the Northern Irishman’s professional career – and the world ranking points will boost his hopes of making the Ryder Cup at the K Club near Dublin next September.