McDowell in superb European start

Graeme McDowell was in superb form at the London Golf Club

Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell made a superb start to the European Open by opening with a seven-under-par 65.

The Ryder Cup hopeful carded an eagle and six birdies in a brilliant round at the London Golf Club on Thursday to lie just two behind leader Ross Fisher.

Teenager Rory McIlroy made a strong finish and an eagle at the 15th helped him post a five-under 67.

Darren Clarke struggled early on but picked up three shots on the back nine to sign for a 71.

Ireland's Paul McGinley had to settle for a three-under round following a double-bogey on the final hole while Padraig Harrington and Gary Murphy opened with rounds of 72.

Damien McGrane was three over and Peter Lawrie five over.

Clarke and McIlroy both failed to claim a place in the Open in Tuesday's 36-hole qualifier at Sunningdale.

However, a top five finish in this event or next week's Scottish Open would be enough to secure a spot at Royal Birkdale.

Clarke has played in every Open since making his debut in 1991.