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Clarke hopes for fresh start in SA

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Darren Clarke hopes for fresh start in SA
Darren Clarke is keen to put a disappointing 12 months behind him when he tees off at this week's Africa Open in East London on Thursday.

The Northern Irishman is among a handful of high-profile players assembled in the South African coastal city for the competition, which is making its first appearance on the European Tour.

Other big-name players in the field include 2009 European Tour winners Nick Dougherty from England and home favourites James Kingston and Richard Sterne, while Dane Thomas Bjorn is also a major contender in the €1m event.

But there will be plenty of focus on Clarke, who was narrowly edged out by Retief Goosen last year.

"Obviously, Goosen's not here but he played great last year and I had to finish second," he said.

"Hopefully this year I can go one better.

"I had a pretty poor year (last year) so I want to come back to winning again and go from there."

As always on the coast, the wind is expected to play a key role in determining the outcome of the competition, but the 41-year-old is not fazed.

Clarke, whose best finish last year was tied fifth at the KLM Open at Zandvoort, added: "I like the wind coming up, which is what I'm used to from growing up and playing at home, so it's a good thing.

"Last year, I think we were quite fortunate here that the wind didn't blow too hard."

© Press Association

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