Thomas Bjorn defied gusts of up to 30mph today to open up a four-stroke lead in the Smurfit European Open - and show Ryder Cup captain Ian Woosnam how well he plays on the course where Europe defend the trophy next year.
He is now on the eight under par mark of 208, with Frenchman Raphael Jacquelin closing with an eagle and England's Jonathan Lomas with a birdie to move into second place on four under.
Darren Clarke, in his first event after a month helping his wife Heather in her battle with cancer and heart problems, lies joint sixth on one under following a 75 in which he did not manage a single birdie.
Damien McGrane also lies on one under, while Gary Murphy is on one over par alongside Ulster's Graeme McDowell.
