Harrington admits to uphill battle after shaky opener

PADRAIG HARRINGTON accepted last night that he unlikely to overcome the effects of an opening round 76 at the 109th US Open Championship at Bethpage.

Even when it was pointed out that he was two shots worse off at the same stage at Torrey Pines last year and hit back with a 67 on day two, he could only smile ruefully and admit it was unlikely he could manage a repeat this time.

Given he was four over after six and was facing a 25 putt for par at the 7th when play was halted for the day shortly after 10am on Thursday, it was already clear that Harrington’s game remained in the trough where it’s been over the past several months.