Clarke takes overall lead into final round of The Open

Darren Clarke, who played his first Open Championship 20 years ago and has looked on as so many friends and rivals have lifted the famous trophy aloft, leads by a shot with 18 holes to go at Sandwich.

The 42-year-old today overcame rain, wind and all the inevitable pressures of setting the pace in the biggest event in golf to fire a superb third-round 69.