European Open update: Darren Clarke will start today's final round of the Smurfit  Kappa European Open just two shots behind overnight leader Jose Manuel Lara from Spain.

The Spaniard, who finished fifth when this event was switched to the Smurfit Course in 2004, equalled yesterday's low round of the day (67) for a nine-under 207 aggregate. He leads by one from England's Anthony Wall. Both tee off in the final group at 1.45pm

Clarke sets-off at 1.27pm with Wales' Stephen Dodd, who are both tied third on seven under alongside English pair, Jamie Spence and Stephen Khan.

Stephen Browne is in line for a very good cheque if he can manage to remain, or better still, improve from his start position of four under.

Paul McGinley is a shot further back after he matched Lara's 67 from yesterday. Damien McGrane and Padraig Harrington are both two-under.

Graeme McDowell was one of the morning starters and the Portrush pro was certainly making his final round an eventful one at the Kildare venue.

First he opened with two bogeys, then hit three birdies in-a-row before adding another at the short eighth. The 26-year-old is one under for the tournament.

Simon Thornton's campaign in the spotlight of the main tour went out with a whimper. The Irish PGA Order of Merit winner made great strides to make the halfway cut but 76 and 81 over the weekend means he will finish joint last of the qualifiers. Still, that will earn him a cheque for over €5000.

David Higgins was two over for his round and five over for the tournament with five holes to play.