Mother Nature holds the key to a home victory, claims Rose

Justin Rose believes the chances of a first-ever British success in The Open at Birkdale will soar if the predicted bad weather shows up today.

The 27-year-old Englishman, hero over the same links 10 years ago, thinks Mother Nature holds the key to ending the long nine-year wait to proclaim a home winner of the game's most important title.

Justin Rose plays from bunker near the 8th green during practice for the British Open Golf championship

'Growing up in the UK, we're used to playing in really big events in atrocious weather and that experience might just pay off if we get the 30mph winds and rain that is forecast,' he said.

'When it gets to that level, the yardage book goes out of the window and it becomes all about feel. We're used to that.

'Most of us can draw on many experiences of playing in amateur tournaments on links courses in similar conditions. Hopefully, it should give us a helping hand. I've got to say it gives me a decent chance.'

Ryder Cup captain Nick Faldo is also backing one of his prospective team to lift the Claret Jug and provide an enormous morale boost for the defence of their trophy in Valhalla in September.

'I remember when I won The Open in 1987 I felt like a million dollars standing on the tee in the Ryder Cup that followed in America,' said Faldo. 'We've certainly got a number of players with the talent to follow in my footsteps. If there was one word I would say to them to take into the next four days it would be: believe.'

I'm sure it's here somewhere: Lee Westwood hopes he won't end up in the rough too often when The Open starts today

Poor defending champion Padraig Harrington has little belief he will complete 72 holes after his preparations have been shattered by a worrying wrist injury.

The Irishman looked devastated as he walked off the course after playing just two shots yesterday, and he will make a decision following practice this morning as to whether he will make it to the first tee.

'I'd give myself a 75percent chance of making it to the first tee but only a 50percent chance of completing four rounds,' said Harrington, whose intensive treatment included laser therapy and anti-inflammatories.

Colin Montgomerie, a 100-1 shot, believes he can win because nobody is playing up his chances. He said: 'In the Nineties, when I was No 1 in Europe, it was expected I did very well. I'm going in here free of any expectation.'

One non-British player who will relish adverse conditions is Sergio Garcia, and bookmakers report an avalanche of money on the Spaniard.

'It is almost as if the great British public have decided that he is the winner and that everyone else is playing for second place,' said one.

Meanwhile, the European Tour have reported that the first six drugs tests of players taken at the European Open have come back negative.