McIlroy back in contention in the Open

Rory McIlroy enters day three at Royal Birkdale on 1-under-par on Saturday, five shots off the lead.

The comeback follows a disastrous opening six holes on Thursday, which saw the Holywood golfer on 5-over-par.

McIlroy credited his caddy JP Fitzergald with his turnaround:

“He reminded me who I was basically,” he said. “You’re Rory McIlroy – what are you doing?

“At that point I mumbled and said whatever – but it definitely helped, it kept me positive.”

Speaking on Friday, McIlroy tried to play down the fightback as he goes for a second title:

"I hit some quality... shots out there, I saw a lot of better iron shots em... saw some really good putts going in.

"Yea there was a lot of quality out there, I was happy to see that, I just have to try to keep that going for the next two days," he said.

Darren Clarke missed the cut on Friday, finishing eight over for the tournament.

American Jordan Spieth leads with a score of six under through 69 on day three.

A win at Royal Birkdale would be his first Major title in over two years.

"Anytime you're in the last group on the weekend in a major and this is I think the, you know, probably a dozen times I've had at least a share of the lead in a major championship, you get nervous.

"I'll be feeling it this weekend a bit but I enjoy it," said the two-time major winner.