JOY, CLEMENTS LEAD AS CLARKE STRUGGLES IN AQABA

 Ryder Cup veteran Darren Clarke struggled on Day One of the MENA Tour event at the Ayla Golf Course, Aqaba,

on Thursday, but Englishmen Luke Joy and Todd Clements mastered the tough conditions to take an early lead.

Clarke shot a three-over round to end the day well off the pace, but Joy and amateur Clements fired impressive four-under-par rounds to open up a one-shot lead from compatriot Zane Scotland, with another Englishman, Lee Corfield, a further shot back.

Jordan’s rising star Shergo Kurdi ended the day five over par to lie 25th overall, but second placed Arab player behind Saudi Arabia's Othman Al Mulla. Action continues Friday on the Greg Norman-designed course and will conclude with a third round on Saturday.