Howell puts McIlroy in the shade

David Howell gave away 278 places to Rory McIlroy on the world rankings at the Irish Open in Killarney today but beat him by eight shots to storm into contention for a first victory in five years.

The former Ryder Cup star reignited his career with a superb seven-under-par 64 in the windiest and wettest conditions of the week.