Battling 67 pleases Fleetwood

Tommy Fleetwood was delighted with his battling display as he stormed into contention on day two of the 148th Open Championship.

The Ryder Cup star took advantage of ideal early scoring conditions on Friday to post a sensational 67 and set the early clubhouse target at seven under par.

A bogey on the first was quickly cancelled out by a birdie on the par-five second and Fleetwood also picked up shots on the fifth, 12th, 13th and 15th before bouncing back from a bogey on the tricky par three 16th with a fine birdie from 12 feet at the last.

The Englishman, who is still looking to make his Major Championship breakthrough, was happy with his performance.

He said: "It was good. It was different yesterday. Yesterday I felt like I was a lot more stress-free than today. 

"Today I made two or three really good putts. 

"I'm happy with the challenge, to be honest with you. It's not all going to be singing and dancing through a Major. 

"I'm happy that I had a chance to scrap today and actually did really well, was up to the test and, again, did a lot of good stuff.

"But overall, yeah, two really good rounds of golf to start."

Fellow Englishman Lee Westwood joined Fleetwood on seven under.

Westwood produced the second bogey-free round of his Open career to put him in contention.

He started with 11 straight pars before birdies at the 12th, 13th, 16th and 17th moved him right into contention.

"I hit the ball really well and gave myself a lot of chances over the first 11 holes," Westwood said.

"They just didn't quite go in. I could have got a bit frustrated but didn't. It was a good, solid day.

 "I haven't got any expectations. I'm just swinging quite well at the moment.

"I've had a couple of weeks of links golf where I played well and made the most of how I played, and this week it's happening.

"It's nice to do it at The Open Championship, it's a big tournament and prestigious tournament and on a great golf course. It's just happened at the right time.