Clarke takes early lead in Madrid

Witnessing Simon Dyson stride to victory on Monday appeared to have rubbed off on Darren Clarke today as he took the early lead in the Madrid Masters at Centro Nacional.

The 40-year-old Ryder Cup star, twice a winner last season and disappointed not to have added to his tally this year, turned in five under par to be one ahead of Michael Hoey and English pair Danny Willett and Ross McGowan.