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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Sean Ingle at Royal Birkdale

Rory McIlroy lets driver fly but putts go awry with Open hopes in balance

Rory McIlroy walks to the 8th tee
Rory McIlroy had a mixed second day at the Open but is not out of contention. Photograph: Charlie Crowhurst/R&A/Getty Images

One of the sweetest sounds in sport is the elongated swoosh that comes as Rory McIlroy’s driver connects with his ball. Really, it is a beautiful thing. You imagine the impact will be a violent clank. Instead it is more like a yogi softly exhaling having found nirvana.

But as McIlroy stepped on the 414-yard par-four 9th on Friday, he was still searching for inner peace. He was plus one for the tournament. The leaderboard was turning a sea of red. And he had substantial ground to make up.

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