British teenager McIlroy claims silver medal

CARNOUSTIE (Reuters) - Surprise package Rory McIlroy won the silver medal for the leading amateur despite returning a five-over 76 in the British Open second round on Friday.

With none of his rivals making the cut and the 18-year-old Briton safely through to the weekend on two-over 144, McIlroy took the prize.

American Drew Weaver was his closest challenger but narrowly missed the cut.

"It's a great feeling," McIlroy told Reuters. "No matter what happens now I'm going to be on the 18th green for the prize-giving on Sunday.

"There'll be no celebrations tonight until I've got the other job done. I'm looking forward to the next two days and I still want to qualify for next year's Open with a top-10 finish."

The teenager from Northern Ireland was eight shots worse than his opening 68 as he trailed halfway leader Sergio Garcia of Spain by eight strokes.

McIlroy, the first amateur from Northern Ireland or Ireland to make a British Open cut since Joe Carr in 1965, is enjoying his new-found fame.

"I haven't ever played in front of crowds like today," he said. "This was my first taste and it didn't bother me at all."