CLARKE AIMS FOR A DOUBLE DUTCH.

DARREN CLARKE has given himself the chance to retain the KLM Open this weekend.

After a second-round 67 today, defending champion Clarke shares the lead with Swede Peter Hedblom in Zandvoort.

And two more big names are already out with Colin Montgomerie and Jose Maria Olazabal both missing the halfway cut - Montgomerie for the third event in a row.

Nobody has retained the title since American Bob Byman in 1978, but Clarke's hopes are boosted by the fact this is the same Kennemer course on which he won by four last year.

"It's one of my favourite venues. It sets up well for me and it's always nice to come back to a place where you've done well," said the Ulsterman, who has not had a single top-10 finish since his victory 12 months ago.

After mixing three birdies with three bogeys on the front nine, Clarke came home in 31 by picking up more strokes on the 10th, 12th and 15th.

Hedblom has not even had a top-20 finish this season, but he joined Clarke on eight under par with his second successive 66.

"When you're struggling it's nice to get away from everything," said the 39-year-old Hedblom. "I've just had a three-week break and for part of that I took my motor boat and stayed on an island near where I live.

"I've been playing for so long I've learned that you have to keep frustration away. Last year was my best season, so I know I have the game."

They are a stroke ahead of England's Kenneth Ferrie, Welshman Bradley Dredge, Dubliner Peter Lawrie, Swede Oskar Henningsson and Aussie Wade Ormsby.

Lawrie was 10 under and clear leader with three to play, but hit a wild drive down the long seventh and lost it. He then followed that bogey six with a double bogey on the 418-yard ninth.

CAPTION(S):

JOINT LEADER Darren Clarke yesterday