Rory McIlroy continues to front the Irish challenge on the opening day of The Players Championship.

The World No 1 is on 3-under par after 17 holes at Sawgrass, which leaves him just two shots off the lead.

Padraig Harrington signed for a 1-under par 71 after a strong finish to his round, while playing partner Graeme McDowell finished on 1-over.

Shane Lowry is on level par at the moment, but Darren Clarke withdrew from the field with a wrist injury midway through his opening round.

Japan's Hideki Matsuyama is the outright leader after a 5-under par 67 for his opening round.