Darren Clarke made a good start and finish in Kuala Lumpur

Darren Clarke is midway down the field after struggling to a one-over-par 73 in Thursday's opening round of the Malaysian Open in Kuala Lumpur.

The Dungannon player was two under after three but dropped five shots before picking up birdies at the final two holes.

Peter Lawrie was the best of the Irish with a 69 but Gary Murphy was well back on six over after 17.

Rhys Davies and Ignacio Garrido share the lead on seven under.

Clarke picked up shots at the first and third but a bogey at the fifth was followed by a double bogey at the next hole.

Further shots were dropped at 11 and 15 although a good finish leaves him eight shots off the pace.

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