Rory McIlroy holds off Sergio Garcia to win first British Open

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REACTION: McIlroy revels in 'incredible' Open win 

The Northern Irishman led the major after each round and finished two shots clear of the Spaniard overall at 17 under to win his third career major.

Leading by six shots going into the final round, McIlroy saw his advantage halved, with Garcia pushing him all the way.

However, a bogey on the 15th threw Garcia off his stride, with McIlroy then able to take full advantage and clinch the Claret Jug with a par five on the 18th.

American Rickie Fowler finished tied second with Garcia on 15 under, courtesy of a late burst of three birdies on the final four holes.

Fowler's compatriot Jim Furyk was two shots further adrift in fourth, ahead of Australian pair Marc Leishman and Adam Scott on 12 under.

McIlroy saw his healthy overnight lead halved by the turn as he bogeyed the fifth and sixth holes, having started his round with an impressive birdie three at the first.

Garcia was determined to keep him in sight and he moved within two shots courtesy of an eagle at the 10th, only for McIlroy to regain his three-shot lead with a birdie at the same hole.

Nerves started to jangle again when McIlroy dropped another shot after finding trouble at the 13th, to leave Garcia two behind and Fowler four back.

The American was two under for his round with six holes left to play and, while he eventually caught Garcia with a five-under 67, the 25-year-old gave himself far too much to do to reel in McIlroy.

Garcia came unstuck in the bunker on the 15th and had to settle for bogey, with McIlroy holing out for par to gain back a shot.

Leading by three with as many holes remaining, McIlroy kept his nerve to finish birdie, par, par to secure the title.

McIlroy's success ensures he joins Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods in winning three majors by the age of 25.

His victory also reportedly ensured a windfall for his father, who was finally able to cash in on a 10-year-old bet worth a rumoured £50,000 that his son would win The Open Championship before the age of 26.

Along with Furyk, Leishman and Chris Wood, Shane Lowry tied the course record with a 65 as the Northern Irishman finished on 10 under - leaving him tied for ninth.

Last year's Masters winner Scott managed to card an impressive 66 for the day, despite a double bogey at the seventh, while defending champion Phil Mickelson produced a four-under final round to end the tournament tied for 23rd.

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