Steady Clarke cruises to British Open win

SANDWICH, England, July 17 (UPI) -- Darren Clarke stayed hot down the stretch Sunday, turning back Dustin Johnson and Phil Mikelson to win the 140th British Open by three strokes.

Clarke fired an even-par 70 to end the championship at 5-under 275, enough for a three-shot victory over both Johnson and Mickelson, each of whom made charges Sunday but came up short.

Clarke gained his first major championship title in 54 tries. His best finish at a major before Sunday was a second place at the 1997 British Open. It was also his 14th European Tour win and third on the PGA circuit.

Johnson, who played alongside Clarke, pulled to within two strokes of the lead thanks to three birdies in a six-hole span from the seventh. But he double-bogeyed No. 14 and ended with a 2-over 72.

So did Mikelson, who grabbed a share of the lead at minus-5 after three birdies and an eagle in the first seven holes. But he faltered down the stretch, carding four bogeys in the late going.

Thomas Bjorn took fourth place at minus-1 with a round of 1-over 71.