Mixed bag in Rory's roller-coaster Open

BOGEYS AND BIRDIES AS NORTHERN IRISH STAR KEEPS IN TOUCH WITH THE LEADERS

- BY CARL MARKHAM

RORY McIlroy mixed the majestic with the mediocre as his roller-coaster Open at Royal Portrush continued on the second day.

The Northern Irishman, from an hour down the road in Holywood, began the day three off the lead on one under but had to work hard just to maintain that score through his front nine.

But by the time he turned in a level-par 36 - after two birdies and two bogeys - the gap to the top had stretched to five as 2023 champion Brian Harman had taken advantage of good scoring conditions to reach six under.