Rory McIlroy heartbreak after final hole meltdown loses the US Open

Rory McIlroy's wait for a another major championship goes on after missing a short putt on the final hole of the US Open. Heading down the 18th level with Bryson DeChambeau, McIlroy hit trouble off the tee, but recovered to earn himself a par chance from three feet.

But his effort drifted agonisingly to the right of the hole, leaving him at five under par.

The drama wasn't done there though with DeChambeau, who like McIlroy took the risky option of a driver down 18, also hooking his effort into the rough.

It left him with a nigh-on imposible second shot, unable to swing fully given he was impacted by a tree. And the American could only fire his ball out into a fairway bunker, leaving with him a difficult approach from 55 yards out in the sand.

But from there he played a sublime approach to within four feet. And he duly sank the putt to finish at six over, celebrating wildly as a crestfallen McIlroy could only watch on from the clubhouse.

Ther Northern Irishman had begun the day three shots off his rival, and seeking a first major title in a decade. But in what proved an exhilirating round, the pendulum swung back and for as the pair traded blows.

After surging to eight-under par, McIlroy briefly held a two shot lead, but that was cut to one as he reached the 16th. There came the first sign of pressure telling, with the 35-year-old lipping out with a putt from close range.

He was in bother again at the par three 17th, finding the bunker with his tee shot. But McIlroy kept his nerve to out his approach within four feet, and this time made no mistake to stay level.

As the tension became unbearable, DeChambeau fashioned himself good birdie chances at both 16 and 17. His first effort hit the rim of the hole but somehow didn't drop, before he went close again on the penultimate hole.

And then came the final hole drama with DeChambeau, 30, ultimately landing his second US Open title. The circumstances were entirely different to his first crown though, with a frenzied crowd at Pinehurst a contrast to the 2020 event when spectators weren't permitted due to Covid restrictions.

Like McIlroy, Matthieu Pavon and Patrick Cantlay had also started the day three shots of the leader and eventual champion. Cantlay finished tied for third with Tony Finau on four under par, with the Frenchman one further back.