Clarke aiming to boost Ryder Cup prospects in Holland

By Norman Dabell

ZANDVOORT, Netherlands (Reuters) - Darren Clarke's chances of a Ryder Cup wildcard rest with his performances over the final two weeks of Europe's campaign, the Briton said on Wednesday.

Clarke hopes his Cup experience too could sway Nick Faldo when Europe's captain makes his two choices next week after the automatic top-10 places have been decided at Gleneagles.

Currently lying 25th on the Cup table, Clarke can only make the team by getting the nod from Faldo.

"If I play well over these next two weeks, I think I've got a chance," Clarke told Reuters on the eve of the Dutch Open.

"I think I'd be a useful addition to the team. I've played the last five matches and we've won four of them, so my record, at least, speaks for itself.

"I'm desperate to make it six but the bottom line is going to be how I'm playing going into the match.

"The first tee in the Ryder Cup is not where you want to be if you're not playing well."

Clarke, who beat Tiger Woods to claim the 2000 WGC Match Play title, won all three of his matches - including two with his great friend Lee Westwood - at the K Club in 2006 as Europe overwhelmed the U.S. by nine points.