Golf: Molinari starts Open defence badly

(ANSA) - Rome, July 18 - Pride of Turin Francesco Molinari started his British Open title defence badly Thursday carding a three-over-par 74 at Royal Portrush.
    "I'll have to learn from the mistakes I made today and try to do better tomorrow," said the star of last year's Ryder Cup.
    "It's certainly not the start I dreamed of and hoped for".
    Italy's other competitor, Roman golfer Andrea Pavan, scored 73 in his second ever major.
    Pre-tournament and home favourite Rory McIlroy had a disastrous eight over round of 79 and already risks missing the cut.
    Tiger Woods had just started while four-time recent major winner Brooks Koepka was already making his move.
    Ireland's Shane Lowry was among the surprises carding 67.