Darren Clarke continued his good form on Saturday

Darren Clarke fired a three-under-par 68 to lie seven shots off the lead on seven under after the third round of the Scottish Open at Loch Lomond.

Clarke carded two eagles in his round and is tied for 13th position.

Rory McIlroy is two under, along with Paul McGinley and Shane Lowry, after carding a 72 and Graeme McDowell is level par after a round of 71.

Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano leads on 14 under, with Martin Kaymer and Retief Goosen a shot behind on 13 under.

Clarke recorded an eagle three at the third and an eagle two at the ninth, and his round also included two birdies and three bogeys.

"The course was really good, not too tricky," said the Dungannon man afterwards.

"I gave myself so many chances and kept missing them but at least I holed a good putt at the last.

"I'm happy with my game but am in a bit of a rut in that I keep taking as many strokes as I can every time I'm out on the course.

"I'll just stay patient, grind it out and hopefully the results will come.

"I can't wait for the Open at Turnberry next week."

McIlroy had a birdie and a double-bogey on his front nine, but otherwise signed for pars at every hole.

Lowry posted a 71 and McGinley a 75 while a round of 73 saw Damien McGrane lie one under after Saturday's play.

Gareth Maybin, Michael Hoey, Peter Lawrie and Gary Murphy missed the halfway cut.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version