Three players lead the KLM Open

Zaandvoort, Netherlands -- Darren Clarke, Robert Rock and Alexander Noren lead after two rounds at the European Tour's KLM Open at Zandvoort, Netherlands, with scores of 8-under-par 132.

In Friday's second round, Clarke and Rock both shot 6-under 64, while Noren shot 4-under 66.

All three closed with pars at the 18th hole.

Rock, who with Clarke entered the second round in a tie for 13th place, made seven birdies, but a bogey at the par-4 13th kept him from owning the outright overnight lead.

"I don't think I have led after two rounds before," Rock said.

Henrik Stenson (65) and Ross McGowan (69) share fourth place at 7-under 133 and at 6-under 134, four others are locked in a tie for sixth.

First-round leader Rolf Muntz of Netherlands ballooned to a 2-over 72 and, at 4-under 136, joined seven others in a tie for 14th place.

The event typifies the challenge for spots on the European Ryder Cup team later this year.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.