Clarke chases British Open triumph

SANDWICH - Darren Clarke believes he can make it a hat-trick of major titles for Northern Ireland at the British Open this weekend.

The 41-year-old Ryder Cup star from Portrush fired a second consecutive 68 at Royal St. George's on Friday to put himself firmly in contention as joint leader on four under.

A win would come hard on the heels of compatriot Rory McIlroy's US Open triumph last month in Washington and follow Graeme McDowell's win in the same tournament last year.