McIlroy escapes phone investigation ahead of legal battle

Rory McIlroy has scored a legal victory ahead of his High Court showdown with his former agents Horizon Sports.

The management company has been refused orders allowing them to inspect the golfer's mobile phones and other devices ahead of next month's court hearing.

McIlroy split with Horizon Sports in 2013 and has since set up his own management structure.

He is now suing his former agents over its fee structure and over claims he was pushed into signing a contract in 2011 when he was young and inexperienced.

The stakes are high, with a €100m Nike sponsorhip deal in the picture, and Horizon has put in its own counterclaim against the world's number one golfer for breach of contract.

However, the sports agency has failed in its bid to inspect Rory McIlroy's old mobile phones - now wiped clean - for traces of whatsapp messages they argued might be relevant to their case.

But Mr Justice Raymond Fullam is not satisfied the inspection is necessary to fight this legal battle - and even if it went ahead there is no certainty any message would be retreived.