Clarke leads, Irish Open suspended again

MAYNOOTH, Ireland, May 21 (UPI) -- Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke held a 2-stroke lead when the Irish Open was suspended again Sunday due to inclement weather at Maynooth, Ireland.

Clarke was 2-under after eight holes of the fourth round, and 6-under after 62 holes of the tournament -- two strokes ahead of a group of three players -- when play was suspended. Tournament officials said play would resume Monday morning.

The tournament has been plagued by weather problems since Thursday, and more rain is expected in the area Monday.

Paul Casey, one of three overnight leaders, was 1-over through seven holes of the fourth round, and 4-under for the tournament -- along with Ross Fisher and Peter Hedblom, who were both at even-par through eight holes when the round was suspended.

The other overnight leaders, Thomas Bjorn and Anthony Wall, were one shot further back at 3-under.

Just three players were able to complete their rounds on Sunday. Damien McGrane and Colm Moriarty both shot 1-over 73, and hold the clubhouse lead at 3-over 291.