Quintet keep Irish hopes alive

FIVE of the seven Irish starters have qualified for the final 36 holes of the Open Championship at Turnberry. They are led on one over par by Graeme McDowell followed by Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley, both two over, and Pádraig Harrington and Rory McIlory, three over.

McDowell, 30 next month, overcame a potentially disastrous double bogey seven at the long seventh to get round in 73, showing his mettle particularly around the turn where a number of players foundered in the wet and blustery afternoon conditions.

Out in three over, the 29 year-old from Portrush played the back nine in a bogey at the 15th, a birdie at the 17th and seven commendably solid pars.