Darren Clarke won twice on the European Tour in 2008

Darren Clarke suffered an early exit at the rain-affected Australian Open as he slumped to a second-round 77 to miss the cut by five shots.

Clarke's five-over-par total (149) was five shots beyond the level par mark at Royal Sydney.

The other Irish hopeful Eddie Barr shot an impressive 69 to make the cut on one under par.

However, the former Warrenpoint assistant shot a third round 76 to drop 14 shots behind leader.

New Zealand's David Smail leads on 11 under going into the final round.

Other players who did not progress to the final two rounds included defending champion Craig Parry and Stuart Appleby who were both on 146.

Clarke was hoping for a good performance in Sydney to help lift him back towards the top 50 in the world rankings.

The Northern Irishman is currently 66th in the ratings.

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