Darren Clarke fired a closing 68 to win Japan's Taiheiyo Masters, at Gotemba, Japan, with a record 22-under-par total of 266 yesterday.

The cigar-puffing Northern Irishman finished six shots clear of European Ryder Cup team mate Lee Westwood and Japan's Nozomi Kawahara in chilly Shizuoka.

Four shots clear at the start of the final round, Clarke gave the chasing pack hope when he dropped a shot at the second hole, but quickly made amends with birdies at the third, fifth and sixth to put the destination of the title beyond doubt and continue his run of having won at least once around the world in every season since 1998.

Turning for home the Ulsterman, who won the Crowns Tournament in Japan in 2001, was flawless, his only departures from par coming at the two par fives, the 11th and the 18th, where he carded birdie fours.

"It's been a frustrating year where I haven't managed to win so it's great," said Clarke.

Slimmer and fitter, the 36-year-old said he felt confident he could launch a serious bid for his first major title next year.

"That's why I stopped drinking all the beers and have been trying to get fit," he said.

Clarke's 266-stroke total broke the previous tournament record by four shots. Westwood, who won the title in 1996, 1997 and 1998, also closed with a 68 in the shadow of Mount Fuji.

The excellent week for the European Tour contingent continued when Ireland's Graeme McDowell returned a final round 69 for a 13 under par total of 275 to claim a share of sixth place.