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Video: Kent golfer Andy
Smith practises ahead of the Open
by Martin Jefferies
Kent's roads have been busy this morning as up to 200,000
visitors descend on the county for one of golf's biggest
tournaments.
The world's top players - plus, fans staff and
media - made their way to a windy and wet Royal St
George's as the Open teed off.
The weather in Sandwich meant a tough start for the early
players, including two of the favourites, Rory McIlroy and Luke
Donald.
Lee Westwood - many people's tip for the tournament - is due to
tee off at 2.10pm, while Kent's Andy Smith - a 1,000-1 outsider to
lift the Claret Jug, according to bookmakers Paddy Power - is due
to tee off at 4pm in the penultimate group to take on the
challenging course.
Meanwhile, roads in Kent have been busy as thousands of
spectators from across the country descend on Royal St
George's.
Keep up
with the latest Sandwich traffic reports here
Delays of up to 30 minutes were reported earlier today on the
coastbound M2, with congestion around junctions six (Faversham) and
seven (Brenley Corner).
There have also been tailbacks on the A2 west of Dover, as well
as the A256 northbound.
Click here to read our special report on how Kent
has prepared for the Open.