Darren Clarke was joint leader of The Open at the end of the second day

by Mike Rees

Darren Clarke fired a second round 68 to become the joint leader of The Open at Royal St George's on Friday.

The Irishman carded an impressive two under-par 68 for the second day running to move to four under par.

He was soon joined on that total by 2009 US Open champion Lucas Glover, who carded a 70.

Meanwhile, world No.1 Luke Donald missed the cut as did 2010 US Open winner Graeme McDowell after a 77 put him on five over.

He said afterwards: "I've always enjoyed the mental side of the game but I wouldn't say I'm enjoying it so much right now.

"My attitude has been pretty average the last two days."

England's Lee Westwood added a 73 to his opening 71, which put him on four over and meant he also missed the cut, as did Padraig Harrington.

Clarke was one of the early starters on day two and admitted "We had the good side of the draw, there was no breeze this morning."

US Masters champion Rory McIllroy shot a one-under 69 to go level after two rounds but arguably the biggest cheer of the day came when Tom Watson (above) shot a hole-in-one at the par-3 6th.

Pictures: Barry Goodwin