PORTRUSH

- A second-round 68 on a day when most others struggled followed by an eagle-assisted 70 saw him two shots clear of Tiger Woods and Hunter Mahan on the final day. But Westwood shot a 75, Woods 74 and Mahan 75, as Phil Mickelson’s 66 stole the show and the Claret Jug. been a freedom about his play this week.

For the second day running he birdied the 16th ‘Calamity Corner’ hole – spectacularly from 50 feet – and then struck again at the 17th. His 67 equalled his

The Open.

It has been 27 years since an Englishman won The Open, but three are in contention to emulate Sir Nick Faldo.

Tommy Fleetwood, above, who also fired a 67, is alongside Westwood at seven under, while Justin Rose is one stroke further back after another 67.

Fleetwood, who has an Irish grandfather, has been a particular favourite with the vast crowds at Portrush.

“The support is just great for all the home players and it’s a bonus,” he said.

“If it’s not quite going your way, they can pick you up. And if it is going your way, they can fly with you and you can ride it.” lowest round at