Rory McIlroy Wins US Open Championship

Rory McIlroy has stormed to victory at the US Open by eight shots, becoming the championship’s youngest winner since 1923. The 22-year-old from Northern Ireland, eight strokes in front of the chasing pack overnight, carded a two-under-par 69 at the Congressional Country Club to claim his first major title.”I couldn’t ask for much more and I’m so happy to be holding this trophy,” McIlroy said at the trophy presentation. I couldn’t be happier.”Long-regarded as a future world number one, McIlroy posted a tournament record total of 16-under 268 to leave his nearest challengers trailing in his wake.And his victory has banished memories of his final-round Masters meltdown two months ago.After safely parring the last where he two-putted from just off the front of the green, he pumped his fist in celebration as he broke into a smile.Emerging Australian talent Jason Day fired a 68 to finish alone in second, two strokes better than South Korea’s Yang Yong-eun (71), Britain’s Lee Westwood (70) and Americans Kevin Chappell (66) and Robert Garrigus (70).McIlroy eclipsed the previous best aggregate of 12-under set by Tiger Woods at the 2000 US Open and became the second successive Northern Irishman to win the title after Graeme McDowell last year.”My hat’s off to Rory this week,” McDowell told reporters after closing with a 69. “It’s been waiting to happen. He’s been this good for a long time, and it’s great to see him fulfill his potential. He’s an awesome player.”Nothing this kid does ever surprises me. He’s the best player I’ve ever seen. I didn’t have a chance to play with Tiger when he was in his real pump, and this guy is the best I’ve ever seen, simple as that.” – Skynews