McIlroy and Harrington lose their way

One Irishman was looking for miracles, the other simply for answers but either way, both Pádraig Harrington and Rory McIlroy will need a low score today if they are to get back into contention at this Open Championship.

The Irish duo have been paired together for today’s third round at Royal Lytham & St Annes and stand 12 shots off the impressive overnight lead of American Brandt Snedeker after they each finished their second rounds on two over par, Harrington having shot a two-over-par 72, McIlroy an even more disappointing 75.

Both had come into the championship with the form of genuine contenders and after the opening round their days had started with such high hopes, with McIlroy starting three shots off the lead following a first-round 67.