Day backing fallen idol Woods to get back off canvas

ST ANDREWS, Scotland (Reuters) - Australian Jason Day is backing former world number one Tiger Woods to arrest his slide after getting a close-up view of his idol and playing partner's 76 in the British Open first round on Thursday.

The 39-year-old American's round was littered with errant strokes as he plunged to a four-over-par score on the same St Andrews layout where he claimed the coveted Claret Jug in 2000 and 2005.

Woods has slumped from first to 241st in the rankings in the last 14 months but Day feels it is simply a matter of time before the 14-times major winner turns the corner.

"I grew up watching him," Day told reporters after a six-under 66 helped him move within one stroke of…