DUNNE: RAHM CAN REIGN AGAIN

PAUL DUNNE is backing defending Irish Open champion Jon Rahm to set a fast pace in tomorrow's opening round on the arid fairways of Ballyliffin. Rahm, who won the title in Portstewart 12 months ago, is bidding to become only the sixth player in the history of the tournament to win back-to-back.

Colin Montgomerie was the last to achieve the feat in 1996 and 1997, while Nick Faldo, Seve Ballesteros, Ian Woosnam and Mark James are also in the club.

Dunne believes the Spaniard remains the “man to beat” and said: “He is No5 or something in the world so probably that does