US Open runner-up Rocco Mediate, Australian Robert Allenby and the in-form Northern Irishman Graeme McDowell negotiated difficult scoring conditions to jointly lead the field at the 137th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. All three reached the clubhouse with a one-under-par 69.

They were tied with Adam Scott until the Australian hit a bogey on the 17th hole to drop to level par along with Greg Norman, who provided one of the stories of the day, rolling back the years with some vintage golf, and American Bart Bryant, after he birdied the last. All three are still right in contention after shooting a 70 while pre-tournament favourite Sergio Garcia posted a highly respectable two over par.

The players teeing off earlier in the day had a tougher task. Champion Padraig Harrington fought against lashing wind and rain - and the wrist injury that had jeopardised his place at the tournament - to stay in touch with the leaders at four over.

Retief Goosen and Mike Weir set the early pace with rounds of 71, one over par.

One of the day's biggest talking points was the retirement of Sandy Lyle, one of several players who found conditions unplayable. The 1985 champion walked off complaining of a bad finger and that the rain had caused his glasses to steam up completely.

Let us know whether you think Lyle made the correct decision in our debate.

19.05pm Sergio Garcia hits his first birdie of the day to keep himself in contention at two over while Havret negotiates a tricky ten foot putt on the 18th to stay at one over. Robert Allenby makes it a very good day for Australia with four birdies in the back nine to grab a share of the lead.

18.50pm Scott succeeds with a tricky putt for par on the 18th to finish level, nicely poised behind the leaders.

18.45pm Gregory Havret of France lands an eagle at the 17th to move to one over.

18.35pm Adam Scott hits a bogey on the 17th after finding the bunker and drops to level par, leaving McDowell and Mediate as clear leaders.

18.25pm Incredible round from Greg Norman who finishes with a level par 70, an amazing effort from the Aussie veteran under the circumstances.

18.12pm Jim Furyk completes his round with a par at the last of 71, leaving him just two shots off the lead.