McIlroy opens up 6-shot lead at Brit Open
Hoylake (UK): Rory McIlroy was in a fast forward mode as he raced to 16-under with one birdie, one bogey and two eagles and opened up an yawning six-shot lead over his nearest rival, Rickie Fowler at the end of the third round of the Open Championships here on Saturday. McIlroy, playing some of his best golf, followed up his amazing driving and iron play with excellent putting on the green to shoot four-under 68 after 66-66 in first two rounds. Starting six shots ahead of Fowler, he stayed six clear after both were tied at 12-under after 12 holes. Sergio Garcia (69) was third with Friday’s hero Dustin Johnson (71) at nine-under 207. McIlroy is 16-under 200 and Fowler (69-69-68) is at 206, while Sergio Garcia (68-70-69) and Dustin Johnson (71-65-71) were tied for third at 207. Frenchman Victor Dubuisson of France (68) was fifth and Edoardo Molinari (68) was sixth. Five players, Matteo Manassero (68), Adam Scott (69), Robert Karlsson (70), Jim Furyk (71) and Charl Schwartzel (72) were tied for seventh at 210. For the record, Tiger Woods, the last man to win at Hoylake in 2006, is at three-over 219 in tied 58th place and 19 shots behind McIlroy. (PTI)
Egyptian military service casts doubt over Salah’s Chelsea future
CAIRO: Mohamed Salah’s Chelsea career is hanging in the balance as he may be ordered to return to Egypt to complete military service, Egyptian media reported. Salah, who completed a move to Stamford Bridge from Swiss club Basel in January, is allowed to live in England on the basis of his participation in an educational programme. However, his registration to that programme has been rescinded by the Minister of Higher Education in Egypt, a football website said, meaning the pacy 22-year-old may have to return to the country. If Salah was obliged to return home, he would not be allowed to leave Egypt again until completion of a period of military service, ranging from 12 months to three years. “Salah has expressed his shock about the decision,” Egyptian National Team director Ahmed Hassan said. “He told me that he is trying to represent Egypt in the best way possible. Is this the best response from the country?” A meeting has been scheduled between the Egyptian FA, the national team coaching staff and the Minister of Higher Education to find a solution. (Reuters)