McIlroy in red-hot form as Harrington rides luck

Pádraig Harrington may have to go toe to toe with Rory McIlroy to get the win he needs to qualify for the Masters after the Ulster ace sensationally stormed into the lead at the Honda Classic.

The 24-year old Holywood star made a simply breathtaking return to the course where he suffered a meltdown and walked off last year, firing seven birdies in an immaculate seven under par 63 to lead by two in the clubhouse from Rory Sabbatini, Welshman Jamie Donaldson and American William McGirt.

The world No 8 looks all but unstoppable but Harrington is not far away having finally got a break this year when he rode his luck and opened with a two under 68 to lie five shots ack.