FINISH GIVES RORY A RUSH

Taming Beast at last gives Mcllroy a Major boost for Open bid at home

- JIM BLACK

RORY MCILROY played and fought like a five-time Major champion anxi Grand Slam icon at long last after suddenly rediscovering his form at the US Open yesterday.

After two months of missed cuts and below par performances in the wake his Masters triumph, the world No.2 lived up to his lofty status at Oakmont.

Having been mauled by "The Beast" for three rounds, the Northern Irishman dug his claws in to produce a closing 6 to sign off on seven-over-par for the wed on the fringes of the top 20.

His mix of six birdies and three bogeys came way too late to influence the outcome of the 125th US Open but at least his powerful finish will act as a confidence-booster ahead of next month's final Major of the year.

Mellroy's hugely improved showin following rounds of 74,72 and 74 couldr have come at a more opportune moment as he contemplates a return to Roy! Portrush for The Open on the course he grew up playing For while 18 holes of solid and at times very impressive golf does not necessarily signal the end of Mcllroy's woes, it is encouraging all the same.

The Northern Irishman also appears more at peace with his big stick after being forced to change drivers to conform to the regulations concerning certain types of clubs.

With little other than pride to play! for, Mcllroy refused to go down without!! a fight and after birdying the second and the seventh, he reached the turn on one under-par as a consequence d giving a shot back at the ninth.