Shane Lowry storms to four-shot Open lead after emerging from almighty scrap

• Irishman’s third-round 63 is lowest score so far by two • Tommy Fleetwood four shots back in second after 66 Sometimes sporting outcomes give the impression of being written in the stars. Shane Lowry has enough to occupy his thoughts, without contemplation of becoming the latest symbol for a collective will in Ireland but, should he lift the Claret Jug at a venue deemed unsuitable for the Open Championship amid decades of civil unrest, golf will have delivered a last laugh towards bitterness. Sport’s unifying qualities are such a great strength; how they were endorsed as Lowry pulled Royal Portrush to pieces. Lowry, who heads into the Open’s final day holding a four-shot lead, was cheered from the rafters on Saturday in a form which demonstrated just how much this Northern Irish crowd want the man from rural County Offaly to see the job through. Although always within boundaries of respect, the gentile sport of golf took on tribal form. A wide grin barely left Lowry’s face; and no wonder. Continue