Clarke & Jacquelin share lead

Darren Clarke, a two-time winner of the English Open, shot a 68 Saturday to share the lead in the tournament after three rounds.

Clark and Frenchman Raphael Jacquelin, who shot a 65, were tied at 13-under with Soren Hansen of Denmark and England's Steve Webster one shot back after scores of 64 and 65.

Two more players, including Justin Rose, last week's British Masters winner, were fifth just two shots off the lead. Rose's eagle at the 17th helped him to a 68 and he was tied with England's Sam Walker, who also shot 65 on the rain-softened course.

Clarke, who won this event in 1999 and again in 2000, said he was delighted with his ball-striking a week before the U.S. Open.

Two under for the day through 11 holes, Clarke eagled the long 12th with a good drive, then a 5-iron of 208 yards finished 3 feet from the flag.

He birdied the next with a 4-iron to 6 feet but dropped a shot at the long 17th with his only poor drive of the day.

Jacquelin, second last year and never a winner on the tour, had what he described as ``a strange day'' with a round of 10 birdies and three bogeys.

``I missed a few fairways but the putter was hot,'' he said after sinking a series of long putts.

As if to inspire his Ryder Cup team members, European captain Sam Torrance also shot 65 Saturday.

Having lost 50 pounds in the last 21 months, Torrance, 48, said he felt better than ever.

``All I have to do with the team is herd them up. I can focus on my own game now,'' he said.

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