Clarke's form dived after his wife Heather died of cancer in 2006, but the five-time Ryder Cup veteran rediscovered some of his best golf in Shanghai.

And his victory lifted his self-belief in a Ryder Cup year.

"This win has given me a great boost for the Ryder Cup [in September]," Clarke said.

"There is some way to go yet but if I keep up my work ethic I have a chance."

Colin Montgomerie is also in Spain with hopes of boosting his Ryder Cup chances after a disappointing season.

Monty lies 34th in the Cup standings and believes he needs to win twice in the next two months to be back on course for a place in Nick Faldo's team.

"I'm not saying I will win here, but I'm playing eight of the next nine weeks and I've got to win twice," Montgomerie said.

"If I do that I think it will prove to him (Faldo) and everyone else I am still capable of competing.

"I found out with the Masters that if you're not playing you can't win. But it's up to me now."