McIlroy backs Harrington to get back in the swing

THE rise and rise of Rory McIlroy this year has coincided with the fall and fall of Pádraig Harrington – but the 20-year-old does not expect his fellow Irishman’s slide to continue for much longer.

McIlroy, 10th on his United States Open debut on Monday, is now in Munich for the BMW International Open starting today. After four missed cuts in-a-row and five in his past six starts Harrington is on a short break before starting the countdown to his British Open defence at next week’s French Open.

Asked about the fact that the Dubliner – winner of the last two majors of last season – has not had a top 10 finish since January, 20-year-old McIlroy said: “I think everyone is surprised.