Rory McIlroy's chances of successfully defending his Open Championship have been dealt a blow today.

The World Number One ruptured ligaments in his left ankle while playing football, he announced on his Instagram account. With The Open due to begin in ten days time at St. Andrews, McIlroy faces a race to get fit in time to defend his title.

Despite two top ten finishes in the majors, it has been a disappointing year for the Hollywood native. After missing out on the career Grand Slam at Augusta, finishing fourth behind Jordan Spieth, the young American won again at the US Open to be this years most dominant golfer.

The injury brings back memories of Padraig Harrington's win in 2008. After winning his maiden Open the year previously, Harrington was unsure he would be able to defend his title due to a wrist injury. 

 

Total rupture of left ATFL (ankle ligament) and associated joint capsule damage in a soccer kickabout with friends on Saturday. Continuing to asses extent of injury and treatment plan day by day. Rehab already started..... Working hard to get back as soon as I can.

A photo posted by Rory McIlroy (@rorymcilroy) on Jul 6, 2015 at 2:53am PDT