Pádraig building Open momentum

PÁDRAIG HARRINGTON has cruised into a six-stroke lead with 18 holes to go in the IPGA Championship at The European Club in Co Wicklow and is looking more and more the part, as he hones his game in good time for his defence of the Open Championship, at Royal Birkdale next week.

While he dismisses suggestions that his fifth victory in this event is a “formality”, it would be nothing short of sensational if he were not to emerge a clear winner after today’s final round. Rounds of 75, 68 and 70 have moved him to even par and six clear of the pursuing pack.

Philip Walton expressed an ambition at the halfway stage of the championship to play with Harrington before the end of the week and it has now been realised. Yesterday’s 73 leaves the 1995 Ryder Cup hero in second place on his own on 219, six over par, and tied for third. Two shots further back are Waterville’s David Higgins, who came through the field nicely with a best-of-the-day 69, with veteran Eamonn D’Arcy and Greenore professional Robert Giles.