Poor finish costs American Kuchar in British Open

SOUTHPORT, United Kingdom: Overnight joint leader Matt Kuchar dropped two shots in his last three holes as he fell back to four under par at the end of his second round at the British Open on Friday.

The giant American, chasing a first major at the age of 39, had three birdies and four bogeys in a mixed bag of a day at Royal Birkdale as he shot a one- over round of 71.

Kuchar finished with a bogey at 16, a missed birdie chance at the long 17th and then another dropped shot at the last after driving into a fairway bunker.

Jordan Spieth and Brooks Koepk a , Kuch a r ’ s f e l low Americans, remain in the overall lead together on five-under, but both are due to go out later this afternoon when already blustery conditions are expected to get tougher.

Playing with Kuchar, Scotland’s Richie Ramsay shot a level- par round of 70 to remain at two-under for the championship.

Rory McIlroy was two-under for the day after 14 holes to sit at oneunder for the championship.

Among others to conclude their rounds early on Friday were Masters champion Sergio Garcia, whose one-under-par round of 69 leaves him two- over overall, and therefore in with a strong chance of making the cut.

However, his playing partner Jason Day of Australia looks to be heading home after a six-over 76 left him at + 5 for the championship.

Former champions Ernie Els and Zach Johnson are both at one over par after sharply contrasting rounds – Els dropped back with a 73, while Johnson recovered from a poor opening round to shoot 66. — AFP