Comeback Clarke wins Iberdrola Open

Darren Clarke won his first European Tour event for almost three years at the Iberdrola Open in Majorca after carding a closing 69 to leapfrog Chris Wood on the leaderboard.

Irishman Clarke went into the final day four shots adrift of the 23-year-old Englishman, but Wood could not secure a maiden victory on the tour and carded a disappointing round of six-over-par 76.

Clarke, 42, had almost wiped out Wood's four-shot overnight lead after three holes, reducing the deficit to one.

Last year's European Ryder Cup vice-captain then found the water on the 11th and the double-bogey that followed could have easily cost him dearly.

But Wood encountered several problems of his own on the back nine, carding five bogeys before almost picking up a hole-in-one on the 18th.

With Wood floundering, Clarke showed his experience and picked up successive birdies at the 14th and 15th to wrap up a rather comfortable three-shot victory for his 13th European Tour title.

David Lynn ended up tied with compatriot Wood for second place after carding a 70 in the final round.