Clarke makes claim for Ryder Cup spot

Ryder Cup wildcard hopeful Darren Clarke shares the halfway lead at the KLM Open to boost his chances of making Nick Faldo's team.

The 40-year-old Ulsterman showed the European skipper, Faldo, he is in good form with an excellent six-under-par 64 in Holland to sit on eight under after two rounds alongside England's Robert Rock and Swede Alexander Noren.

It is Clarke's best score in a European Tour event since he fired a 60 during the European Open at The K Club in 1999.

He said: "I need to play well this week and next, and so far I've done that.

"If Nick then feels I am worthy of a pick so be it. If not then that's acceptable.

"I was just very relaxed out there. With the boys (sons Tyrone and Conor) here I've got to be on my best behaviour, and my attitude is just pretty good.

"I've taken a lot of pressure off myself and feel comfortable. I've been playing well and I'm in a good position now."

Faldo has two wildcard picks at his disposal, but Paul Casey is set to be handed one so Clarke faces a fight with Open runner-up Ian Poulter, who could still be one of the 10 to qulaify automatically via the money standings.