'Abysmal' Rory off the hook

RORY MCILROY survived an "abysmal" driving day to stay in the hunt for his home Open at Royal Portrush.

- by NEIL MCLEMAN

The Masters champion hit only two out of 14 fairways - his worst ever at the Open - in his one-under 70.

But on an opening day of wind and rain on the Antrim coast, the world No.2 (inset) is only three shots off the lead shared by Matt Fitzpatrick.

Sky Sports analyst Paul McGinley said: "I think he has done ok today but his driving has been abysmal."