Mickelson misses out on history

Phil Mickelson missed out on golfing history yesterday as he signed for a 63 in the opening round of the British Open at Royal Troon.

Mickelson saw a birdie putt lip out on the 18th, which would have seen him shoot a Major record score of 62 - but despite falling just short at the last he takes a three shot lead into the second day following a stunning performance.

After stealing the show on a low scoring day at Troon, Mickelson said: “That putt on 18 was an opportunity to do something historical. I knew it, and with a foot to go I thought I had done it. I saw that ball rolling right in the centre. I went to go get it, I had that surge of adrenaline that I had just shot 62, and then I had the heartbreak that I didn’t and watched that ball lip out . . . . it was just heartbreaking.”

Meanwhile it was a mixed opening day for the Irish contingent in the field, with Rory McIlroy leading the way with a two under par 69. Padraig Harrington is also under par after shooting a 70 but it was a day to forget for Shane Lowry, who opened up with a 78.

McIlroy is back out at 2.37pm, while Mickelson tees it up at 8.23am, and you can follow all of the second round action on our liveblog by clicking HERE.

Tour de Farce

Elsewherethere were farcical scenes in the 12th stage of the Tour de France to Mont Ventoux yesterday as a crash left leader Chris Froome without a bike and attempting to run the rest of the stage.

He was subsequently reinstated in the yellow jersey having lost one minute and 21 seconds, however Dan Martin slipped to ninth place after a poor day.

What to watch out for:

Golf

The second round of The Open is underway at Royal Troon (Sky Sports 1 6.30am-9pm, eir Sport 1, 6.30am-7.30pm, BBC 2 8.30-10.30 (highlights).

Cricket

Day two of the first Test between England and Pakistan at Lord’s (SS2 10.30am)

Cycling

Stage 13 of the Tour de France to La Caverne du P-d’Arc (TG4 1.10pm-4.50pm, Eurosport 1 1.15pm-4.30, ITV4 2pm-5pm)