Clarke relishing long party

Darren Clarke was tonight preparing for a “very, very long” celebration after claiming his first major title at the age of 42 in the Open Championship at Royal St George’s.

Clarke carded a final round of 70 in tough conditions to finish three shots clear of American pair Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson, with Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn a shot further back in fourth – eight years after he blew a three-shot lead here with four holes to play.