Darren Clarke drives on the 17th at Pula GC. Credit: golffile.ieDarren Clarke produced a battling back nine to move into contention for his first title for three years as Simon Thornton hit a super 65 to keep give his tour comeback bid a kick start in the Iberdrola Open in Mallorca

Playing for the first time in five weeks after becoming disillusioned with his lack of progress this season, Clarke recovered from a three over par front nine with a storming, homeward 32 for a level par 70 that left him tied for second with rookie Matthew Nixon  (70) on five under.

The Dungannon star is three strokes adrift of stablemate Chris Wood (65) with Thornton five behind in joint seventh after a superb 65, the equal best round of the day.