Clarke and Westwood again point the way for Europe

STRAFFAN, Ireland, Sep 21 (Reuters) Wildcard picks Darren Clarke and Lee Westwood were paired together for the third day running by European captain Ian Woosnam when the team held their final practice session before tomorrow's Ryder Cup start.

Clarke and Westwood went out in Thursday's opening group alongside the all-Spanish pairing of Jose Maria Olazabal and Sergio Garcia.

Group two featured Colin Montgomerie and Padraig Harrington, together with Paul Casey and Robert Karlsson.

Bringing up the rear in warm but breezy conditions at the K Club were the Henrik Stenson-David Howell formation, alongside Luke Donald and Paul McGinley.

Skipper Tom Lehman chose his strongest permutations in the US team's first practice group, Tiger Woods and Jim Furyk together with Phil Mickelson and Chris DiMarco.

In group two were David Toms and Brett Wetterich, plus Chad Campbell and Zach Johnson.

Stewart Cink and Vaughn Taylor were paired in the final group, alongside JJ Henry and Scott Verplank.

The two captains are due to announce their official pairings for tomorrow's opening fourballs at 2 pm (1300 GMT).

REUTERS DH BD1631