What the back pages of the papers say - July 18

Sandy Lyle faced a storm of criticism last night over his shameful decision to quit The Open Championship after just 10 holes.

Also: England snubbed three of their Ashes heroes when they called up a roof tiler from Australia, Darren Pattinson, as bowling cover for the second npower Test against
South Africa.

Dwain Chambers will retire if he does not win the right to represent Britain in the Olympic Games next month, his counsel Jonathan Crystal claimed dramatically in the High Court yesterday.

Old Trafford's that way: And that's where Dimitar Berbatov is heading

THE SUN

Sir Alex Ferguson says he is convinced Manchester United will land Dimitar Berbatov before the start of the season.

Also: Greg Norman served up a classic Open round - and put it down to his love match with new wife Chris Evert. Robert Green last night revealed he feels 'completely under-valued' at West Ham and is now considering his future at the club.

DAILY MIRROR

Sandy Lyle was accused of reducing The Open to a shambles last night after admitting he 'chucked' his round after 10 disastrous holes left him 11 over par.

Also: Freddie Flintoff has admitted he no longer has designs on becoming an England captain again and is simply focussed on fulfilling his career as an all-rounder.

Roy Keane has admitted his managerial reputation will be decided in the next 12 months.

DAILY STAR

Graeme McDowell shot to the top of The Open leaderboard in his bid to bank over £1million in a week.

Also: Freddie Flintoff returns to England action today with orders to put the fire up South Africa.

Juande Ramos has told Tottenham fans: Don't expect us to deliver Champions League football.
 
DAILY EXPRESS

Graeme McDowell yesterday overcame his reluctance to take on the Royal Birkdale survival test to emerge as The Open leader, as the weather caused mayhem in the first round.

Also: Barcelona are threatening to hijack Manchester United's bid to sign Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov.

Newcastle new boy Danny Guthrie believes Europe is not beyond the club.

THE TIMES

The fierce storms that have wreaked havoc at the Open Championship could intensify to force the suspension of the tournament tomorrow.

Also: Mark Cavendish demonstrated once again that he is the fastest sprinter in world
cycling with a record-breaking third stage win in the Tour de France in Narbonne
yesterday.

DAILY TELEGRAPH

Graeme McDowell knew it was all about survival on a storm-tossed first day to the 137th Open at Royal Birkdale.

THE GUARDIAN

Golf was never meant to be fair but sometimes the game takes liberties with the fragile souls of those who would seek to write their name in history.

THE INDEPENDENT

For the second time in three years Graeme McDowell holds the lead after the first round of the Open Championship.