The 150th Open: Rory McIlroy and Viktor Hovland set…

LEADERBOARD –16 McIlroy, Hovland; -12 Young, C. Smith; -11 Scheffler, S.W. Kim; -10 Johnson SELECTED OTHERS –9 Fitzpatrick; -8 Spieth; -3 MacIntyre; +2 Law

Without a major for eight years, but eternally popular with the galleries and increasingly a great champion of the game off the course, McIlroy seized the initiative on Saturday at the 150th Open.

This was almost flawless from the four-time major winner who chased down first Cam Young, then Cam Smith, neither of whom were able to replicate the stellar golf they produced on Thursday and Friday. Only a bogey at the Road Hole slightly soiled the card.

He is joined on 16-under by Hovland, the prodigious Norwegian seeking to make his own major breakthrough. He too produced a vintage display on Saturday, sending a large contingent from the Scandinavian nation into raptures.

• Positive signs for Robert MacIntyre

• “Time to tackle golf’s slow play problem”

Smith, Young, Si Woo Kim and Scottie Scheffler among a host of stars hoping to make up ground on what should be a highly dramatic Open Sunday. The pieces are in place for one of the great final day duels.

“I missed some chances early on and had to stay patient,” McIlroy said.

“The wind was favourable to drive a couple of greens like nine and 12 and I took advantage of some of the holes around the turn.

“It was a great group to be part of and we get to do it all again tomorrow.”

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