Focused Harrington determined to make it a happy new year

BRITISH OPEN champion Pádraig Harrington insists his triumph at Carnoustie revitalised his competitive nature and made him determined to work harder to ensure a repeat is not too far away.

The 36-year-old Dubliner is refusing to rest on his laurels after becoming the first Irishman to win the Open in 60 years after edging out Sergio Garcia in a four-hole play-off last July.

Harrington is in the Middle East for the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship alongside defending champion Paul Casey, Ian Poulter and Luke Donald.