Hoey continues African safari

Michael Hoey will bid to continue his hot run of form by battling to join Darren Clarke in this week’s Africa Open.

The Ulster ace finished tied for 12th in the Joburg Open - one shot outside the top ten which would have automatically earned him a spot in this week's Abu Dhabi Championship.

Anders Hansen won the title but Hoey picked up €15,551 to jump to 66th in the Race to Dubai with more than €32,000 on the board from three starts.

But the Walker Cup star must pre-qualify for the Sunshine Tour’s Africa Open at East London on Tuesday where Clarke is hoping to start 2009 with a win and edge closer to a place in the Masters.

Ranked 73rd in the world starting the week, Clarke said: “I didn't quite finish 2008 as I would have wanted, but the world's top 50 is still an attainable objective before they close the gates to US Masters entry. You can be sure I will be trying my best to join the parade down Magnolia Lane.”