Storm's Open dream is blown off course
6:20pm Sunday 20th July 2008
GRAEME Storm ended his Open Championship with a whimper this afternoon as he carded a disappointing 78 to finish the tournament on 16 over par.
The Hartlepool golfer, who was within six shots of the lead at the start of play, will finish in tied 39th position after dropping a succession of shots at Royal Birkdale.
Storm started with two bogeys to effectively rule himself out of contention for the Claret Jug, but a birdie at the fifth suggested he could still challenge for a top-ten spot.
That challenge ended with a dropped shot at the ninth, though, and Storm went on to bogey five of his first seven holes on the back nine.
A further dropped shot at the last ended a miserable afternoon for the Wynyard professional.
Irishman Padraig Harrington is on the verge of defending the title he won at Carnoustie 12 months ago, as he is currently two shots clear of clubhouse leader Ian Poulter as he prepares to putt on the 17th green.
** READ MORE REPORTS AND ANALYSIS OF TODAY'S PLAY IN TOMORROW'S NORTHERN ECHO **