The story appears on

Page A5

July 20, 2014

GET this page in PDF

Free for subscribers

View shopping cart

Related News

Home » Sports » Golf

McIlroy rustles up commanding lead

RORY McIlroy turned in a devastating performance yesterday as two eagles in three holes down the stretch left him six shots in the lead after the third round at the British Open in Hoylake, northern England.

The Ulsterman withstood a furious onslaught from his rivals for much of the day, that saw American Rickie Fowler briefly draw level at the 12th, before he showed his class with eagles at 16 and 18 to take command on 16-under.

The action at Royal Liverpool produced top notch entertainment for the thousands of fans who braved the elements and were rewarded when an expected storm failed to materialize.

McIlroy was constantly under pressure from Fowler and later Spaniard Sergio Garcia but stubbornly refused to relinquish his grip on what could be a third major victory today.

An eagle at the par five 16th inflicted a damaging blow on the chasing pack with Fowler faltering down the stretch.

Then came another flash of brilliance at the final hole when his second shot to the par 5 18th landed six feet from the pin for an easy second eagle and a hammer blow on the field.

Fowler’s red hot run of seven birdies in 12 holes was ruined with three straight bogeys towards home that left him alone in second on 10-under.

After winning the 2011 US Open and 2012 PGA Championship, McIlroy can make it three major titles if he can finish off the job today, leaving only the Masters to take.

Garcia and American Dustin Johnson are tied for third and seven shots back while Frenchman Victor Dubuisson is alone in fourth one shot further adrift after a fine 68.

McIlroy battled to protect his lead after American Rickie Fowler briefly drew level.

Fowler had moved into the joint lead on 13 under, but it was a short-lived experience as McIlroy birdied 14.




 

Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.

沪公网安备 31010602000204号

Email this to your friend