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HARRINGTON RETAINS CLARET JUG
(21/07/2008)
Padraig Harrington finished a closing round yesterday of 69 for a three over total of 283 to finish four shots clear of Ian Poulter and successfully retain his Open Championship title.
The Dubliner smashed a 102 year old record to become the first European player to successfully defend the title since James Braid in 1906. He brushed-off his right wrist injury to hit birdies on the 13th and 15th holes as well as an eagle from just four feet on the 17th to retain possession of the famous Claret Jug.
Winning the Open also secured Harrington’s place in the Ryder Cup and boosts his world ranking from 14th to 3rd place, with only Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson ahead of him.
Poulter finished runner-up with a total of 287, taking his place in the world rankings from 43rd to 22nd spot. Veteran Greg Norman and Henrik Stenson shared third place on nine over par 289.
Elsewhere, Open favourite Sergio Garcia finished in 51st place on 17 over par, while English amateur Chris Wood finished with American Jim Furyk on 10 over to win the leading amateur silver medal.
