Harrington back in the swing as Clarke slips

ALTHOUGH Thomas Bjorn in his current form might have something to say on the subject, there is still every chance that the long–awaited Irish victory in the Nissan Open could come about this week.

Most encouragingly, Pádraig Harrington was back to something like his best and was speaking in a far more positive tone than in recent weeks when he continually referred to the state of his game as “average”.

He was particularly enthused at playing with Thomas Bjorn, who shot 64, and Michael Campbell, 66. Harrington’s 69 paled somewhat in comparison but he is still very much in the hunt and far more upbeat than of late.