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McIlroy ruptures ankle ligament, could miss British Open

By The Sports Xchange
Rory McIlroy putts on the 17th hole during the fourth round of the 115th U.S. Open Championship at Chambers Bay on June 21, 2015 in University Place, Washington. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI
Rory McIlroy putts on the 17th hole during the fourth round of the 115th U.S. Open Championship at Chambers Bay on June 21, 2015 in University Place, Washington. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo

Rory McIlroy ruptured the ligament in his left ankle while playing soccer and the world's No. 1 player is questionable to defend the British Open Championship title next week at St. Andrews.

McIlroy announced Monday that he suffered a total rupture of his ATFL (the anterior talofibular ligament and the one most commonly sprained) in his ankle while playing soccer with friends Saturday.

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McIlroy posted a photograph on Instagram with his leg in a boot as he balanced on crutches.

"Total rupture of left ATFL and associated joint capsule damage in a soccer kickabout with friends on Saturday," the four-time major winner from Northern Ireland wrote. "Continuing to assess extent of injury and treatment plan day by day. Rehab already started. ... Working hard to get back as soon as I can."

A spokeswoman for McIlroy's management company told CNN there is a "10 percent chance" of the 26-year-old participating in the Open Championship when it begins on July 16.

McIlroy lifted the Claret Jug last year at Royal Liverpool by taking a six-shot lead into the final round. He also won the PGA Championship in 2014.

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McIlroy and Jordan Spieth have won the last four majors, with Spieth winning the Masters and U.S. Open this year to rise to world No. 2. Spieth will enter St. Andrews as just the fourth player in golf history with a shot at the modern Grand Slam.

McIlroy had been the favorite at St. Andrews at 5-1, but he fell to 8-1 on Monday morning after his injury was announced, according to the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook. The 21-year-old Spieth went from 6-1 to 9-2 and is now the betting favorite.

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