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Clarke sees ranking slip

General RSS / / 05 February 2007 /

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European Ryder Cup star Darren Clarke has dropped out of the world's top 50 players for the first time in ten years

Despite a top 20 finish at the Dubai Desert Classic, the Northern Irishman has seen his ranking drop from 47th to 51st.

Clarke's position among golf's elite has clearly been affected by him missing a large chunk of last season to care for his ill wife.

The 38-year-old though has not won on the European Tour since his NEC Invitational success in 2003, although his performance in a top-class field in Dubai suggested he is finding his form.

Clarke will take part in this week's Malaysian Open and punters feel he could challenge for the title in Kuala Lumpar. The Dungannon-born star is trading at 20 to win the event.

Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee is the favourite at 10, as he goes in search of a third consecutive win at the Malaysian Open, with Thomas Bjorn trading at 18.
Meanwhile, Henrik Stenson's victory in Dubai helped him rise into the top 10 for the first time in his career. Luke Donald remains the top European in the rankings, with the Englishman eighth in the world.

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