IT was another Sunday to forget for Colin Montgomerie, but a memorable weekend for Ryder Cup teammate Darren Clarke.

The Scot has horrific memories of final day Benson and Hedges International calamities at The Oxfordshire and he won't want to reflect too long on a putting nightmare which afflicted his game in glorious conditions yesterday.

However, on this occasion, Monty didn't so much as throw it away, but had to watch at first hand as playing partner Clarke grabbed his chance.

The Irishman doubled his early advantage in the space of two holes at the turn, leaving an exasperated Montgomerie cursing his putter, and his rivals four shots adrift.

Clarke's lead was itself halved as Santiago Luna posted a 67 to match Thomas Bjorn's best round of the day, but the Ulsterman had only to avoid disasters at the last three holes to become the first Irish winner of the prestigious title.

Clarke made his intentions obvious from the opening hole, where a birdie left overnight joint leaders Montgomerie and Massimo Florioli chasing the eventual ace.

The Italian birdied the second before Clarke made his sole slip-up when he hooked his second at the third and then missed a six-putter for par.

At this stage, there were 20 players in contention, but Clarke birdies at four, five, seven and nine left the chasing pack in total disarray.

The Irishman played two superb shots to set up a six-footer for his final birdie on the way out, Monty's bogey opener on his return home virtually sinking his hopes.

It was time now for Luna to begin his charge, but it was too late, with the Italian having to rely on the misfortune of the Irish to land the top prize. Clarke, however, was in no mood to let it slip and a brilliant second at 16 left him two feet from the hole, poised to collect a first birdie on the back nine.

At the same hole, Monty dropped another to slip further down the leader board.

Both men found sand at 17, which didn't hold the same fears as in past years. But in Clarke's case, it was a safe option and his third crept narrowly over the water to the edge of the putting surface.

The Scotsman's day was summed up as another putt slipped past as Clarke maintained his six-shot advantage over his good friend.

The 18th was a formality for Clarke, where there was scant consolation for Montgomerie with a sunken putt and a birdie for a round of 72.

The beaten Scot only admitted the night before that he had given Clarke tips about his putting after the pair practised together last Tuesday. Perhaps the two should get together soon to iron out Monty's problems.

The winner also received some tips from his coach, whom he phoned on Saturday night despite shooting 67 to oust Barry Lane from the overnight lead.

The coaching paid dividends as a jubilant Clarke accepted the applause of the packed gallery, basking in the warm evening sunshine, before accepting the winners' cheque and B & H trophy.

"It feels very good from the point of view that I've played pretty well all week," Clarke declared.

"To score two 67s is satisfying and to have played solid golf is even better.

"The win was a little overdue, but my philosophy is that if you can get yourself into contention as often as possible, then the wins will come. I've done that this week and it's gone my way."

Luna won the battle of the Italians to pick up a runners-up cheque for £83,320, while Bjorn and Florioli each pick up around £42,000 for their final day endeavours.

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