Akron, Ohio, Aug 25: Britain's Darren Clarke survived two bogeys in the last four holes to win the World Golf Championships-NEC invitational by four shots. The 35-year-old northern Irishman, who began the day one clear of the field, made the most of a fast start, stretching his lead to five with seven holes remaining before closing with a three-under-par 67.

Clarke, who beat world number one Tiger Woods to win the 2000 WGC-Accenture match play championship, finished at 12-under 268, with American Jonathan Kaye (70) second and Davis Love III (69) a further shot back in third. Woods, who had been bidding for his fourth title in five years, closed to within three of the lead after an outward nine of three-under 32, but slipped back with dropped shots at 12, 13 and 18 on his way to a 70 and a tie for fourth at six under.

Ranked 17th in the world, Clarke had not previously won since the 2002 compass group English Open. He was third two years ago here at Firestone.

Bureau Report