Scheffler Extends Lead Over McIlroy At Open Portrush

At The Open Championship at Royal Portrush, world number one Scottie Scheffler continues to dominate with a composed third-round 67, extending his lead to six strokes and positioning himself strongly for his first British Open title. Rory McIlroy, buoyed by passionate home support, impressed with a third-round 66 but acknowledged the difficulty of closing the gap on Scheffler, describing the American’s performance as "inevitable" and praising his consistency and putting. Despite McIlroy's aggressive start and moments of brilliance, including a strong front nine, Scheffler's steady play and ability to avoid mistakes have kept him firmly in control. The atmosphere has been electric, with McIlroy inspiring intense emotions from the crowd and delivering a memorable round, but the sizeable margin leaves him playing catch-up. Other contenders like Li Haotong and Matt Fitzpatrick remain in the mix, but the focus is on Scheffler's impressive form and McIlroy's challenge to mount a comeback on home soil. Both players have expressed respect for each other’s games, with McIlroy optimistic but realistic about the uphill battle he faces on the final day.