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Clarke leads by one shot after third round of Asian Open

26/04/2008

Darren Clarke will take a one shot lead heading into the final round of the Asian Open in Shanghai.

The Northern Ireland star carded a third round 67 in which he hit five birdies and finished on an overall score of nine-under-par. Clarke's nearest rival is Dutchman Robert-Jan Derksen, who is one shot behind on eight-under-par.

"I played really well today," said Clarke. "I am very pleased with the way I hit the ball and I think a 67 is very good.

"I am looking forward to tomorrow and I just hope I can keep doing what I am doing," added Clarke, who is looking to win his first European Tour title in five years.

Young Englishman Robert Dinwiddie is well in contention only two shots behind Clarke, after he overcame a first hole double-bogey to card a brilliant round of 65.

Dinwiddie actually led the tournament for a while, before Clarke birdied the final hole to claim the overnight lead.

"I am very happy," said Dinwiddie. "I had a couple of steady rounds and then to go out and shoot a really good one today and put myself in contention for tomorrow it is great.

"I putted very, very well for the last seven holes. All in all I played nice steady golf and took all the opportunities I had."

European Tour stalwarts Retief Goosen and Paul Broadhurst are well of the pace with Goosen on two-under-par and Broadhurst a further shot behind him.