RYDER Cup star Darren Clarke showed signs of a return to his old form when shared third place in the South African Open at Pearl Valley. The Irishman closed on one under to finished three strokes behind home favourite James Kingston, who beat England's Oliver Wilson by a shot.

And Annika Sorenstam successfully defended the Dubai Ladies Masters at the Emirate's Majlis course, the Swede's first victory of 2007 after a year blighted by injury.

DUNSCAR member and Bolton GA stalwart Michael Yates will take office as Lancashire president in March. He has served on the county committee and is a past chairman and captain of the junior section.