Mickelson plays down Rory furore

AT TIMES, the build-up to this Ryder Cup has seemed more like that of a boxing world title fight, such has been the fall-out from Rory McIlroy’s seemingly innocuous comment that he would quite like to play against Tiger Woods this weekend.

In direct contrast to the pleasantries being exchanged on a daily basis between the two captains, the continuing saga of Rory and Tiger and their possible head-to-head at Celtic Manor has been taking on a life of its own. But it took an unexpected turn yesterday when the 21-year-old European rookie found an ally in American rival Phil Mickelson.

McIlroy’s assertion that the aura surrounding the world number one and 14-time major winner had “gone” is reported to have rankled with Woods in the USA team room overlooking the TwentyTen course outside Newport.