Ireland well off the pace

IRELAND’S hopes of repeating their 1997 triumph all but evaporated, after a 77 left them seven-over at the World Cup at Kiawah Island.

Padraig Harrington and Paul McGinley carded three birdies, but six bogeys and a double-bogey left them to lieying 12 shots off the pace.

Harrington had birdied the first two holes on the opening day, but struggled with his swing thereafter, and was still on the practice range as night fell on Thursday evening trying to find a cure.