NORTH Hampshire golfer Justin Rose made a solid start to his Open campaign yesterday, shooting a level-par opening round of 72 at Royal Liverpool.

The world number three, who went into the tournament on the back of successive wins, was two-under-par through 10 holes, but bogeys at holes 12 and 14 saw him drop back to level par.

He was six shots behind overnight leader Rory McIlroy and willbe looking to move closer during the course of today's second round.

Rose and playing partners Adam Scott and Jason Dufner are due to be on the first tee at 9.26am today.