GRAEME Storm's hopes of success in the Dunlop British Masters suffered a blow - the Hartlepool golfer shooting an opening round 77.

He managed a single birdie - on the par 5 17th - but carded six bogies in his five over total.

Rory McIlroy, new to the pro ranks after a successful amateur career, had an encouraging start. He sits high up the leaderboard on three under par.