Darren Clarke scorched to a second round 64 in the KLM Open on Friday for a share of the lead to boost his Ryder Cup chances.

Clarke is after one of European captain Nick Faldo's two wild card picks for the biennial contest against the Americans at Valhalla in Kentucky from 19 to 21 September.

The Northern Irishman also hit his lowest round in the EPGA Tour since shooting 60 at the European Open in 1999 for a three-way share of the lead with Sweden's Alexander Noren and Robert Rock of England.

"I need to play well this well and next week and so far this week I've done that," said Clarke, who kept a bogey off his card on a Kennemer course he had never seen until this week.

"If Nick then feels I am worthy of a pick so be it. If not then that's acceptable.

"I was just very relaxed out there. With the boys (sons Tyrone and Conor) here I've got to be on my best behaviour and my attitude is just pretty good.

"I've taken a lot of pressure off myself and feel comfortable. I've been playing well and I'm in a good position now."

As for the race for the last three automatic spots in Faldo's Team, Justin Rose, Oliver Wilson and Soren Hansen are still able to control their own destiny.

Rose, joint fifth after an opening 67, lost some ground with a 69, but three birdies in his last six birdies made it a better day than it looked like being at one stage.

Wilson, ninth in the standings, remained one under, while Dane Hansen's 69 for six under was no mean effort given that he resumed with a double bogey six.

Hansen is €268 ahead of German Martin Kaymer in the last automatic spot and Kaymer reached four under before bogeying two of the last three for a 66. He is now two under overall.