Darren is on a Shang-high

Apr 27 2008 By Callum Robb

DARREN CLARKE is loving life at the top of the leaderboard as he chases a first European Tour win for five years at the BMW Asian Open.

The Northern Irishman hasn't tasted success since the WGC-NEC Invitational in 2003 but leads the way in Shanghai after a third-round 67 yesterday.

The 39-year-old is one shot clear of Dutchman Robert-Jan Derksen on nine under for the week and can't wait to get back in action at the Pudong Golf Club.

The Ryder Cup legend said: "I am really looking forward to it.

"I was in contention a couple of times at the start of the season but it has been a while since I've led and I just hope it continues.

"I will just go out in the final round and play as well as I can. Hopefully I will be good enough but if not I will battle on next week."

Clarke - who lost his wife to cancer in 2006 - is playing in China for the first time in his career.

But he has been in fine fettle on the course and his putting has been superb.

Every round in Shanghai has seen an improvement in his score but Clarke is refusing to make predictions about the outcome of today's shootout. He said: "When you come to a new course it takes you a few days to learn.

"You have to find out where you can and can't miss shots and where you can get away with things.

"I have played most courses before but not this one. I'm learning it a bit but that is not to say I will now shoot a 65.

"I've had a lot of really good putts so I am pleased."

Derksen is Clarke's closest challenger after five birdies and two bogeys on his way to a 69.

He said: "It was important to keep myself in the last group and I've achieved that so I'll see what the rest do."