Rory McIlroy battles elements to just about stay in hunt at the Open

Rory McIlroy reacts after finishing the 18th hole during day one of The Open 

Rory McIlroy went toe to toe with an invisible enemy at the Open, the wind, and broke even with a level par round, keeping his title challenge just about intact.

Criticised by commentators for his high ball flight in a stiff wind - Thomas Bjorn described McIlroy's approach to the 17th as simply 'awful' - the 2014 champion at least finished with a fist pump after rolling in a crucial birdie putt on 18.