Spieth could take top spot from McIlroy at St Andrews

Spieth’s victory in the John Deere Classic means he can overtake McIlroy in the rankings by lifting the Claret Jug at St Andrews.

Jordan Spieth will replace Rory McIlroy as world number one if he wins the 144th Open Championship and completes the third leg of an unprecedented calendar grand slam.

Spieth’s play-off victory in the John Deere Classic on Sunday means he can overtake McIlroy, who has been ruled out of his title defence with an ankle injury, in the rankings by lifting the Claret Jug at St Andrews.