Clarke takes lead in Asian Open

THIRD ROUND LEADERBOARD (GB & Ire unless stated)
-9 D Clarke -8 R Derksen (Ned) -7 R Dinwiddle-5 W-T Lin (Tai)
Selected others: -2 R Goosen (SA) -1 P Broadhurst

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Clarke carded a round of 69 in his second round

Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke claimed a one-shot lead at the end of the third round of the BMW Asian Open after firing a five-under-par 67.

Clarke, seeking his first European Tour win in five years, started one shot behind Robert-Jan Derksen but five birdies saw him overtake the Dutchman.

"I played really well. I'm very pleased with the way I hit the ball," he said.

England's Robert Dinwiddie is just two shots behind Clarke after making eight birdies for a round of 66.

Dinwiddie, a European Tour rookie, had taken the clubhouse lead after a superb run on the back nine.

The 25-year-old has put himself in contention to fight for his maiden title in the professional game.

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"I am very happy," he said.

"I had a couple of steady rounds and then to go out and shoot a really good one and put myself in contention 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."