Harrington closes gap on leaders

Padraig Harrington rapidly closed the gap on the leaders today with a solid round of 66 hitting six birdies to move to 10-under for the tournament and just three shots off current leader Niclas Fasth who has played five holes.

The Irish man birdied the 2nd, 5th and 6th holes to be out in 33 shots and followed with back-to-back birdies at the 10th and 11th holes, lost a shot at the short 17th but birdied 18.

"I'm disappointed with that miss at 17 - I tried to chip in. Naturally, I rue the double-bogey and the bogey yesterday. I was trying so hard that it is frustrating with such a big crowd following me but I would like to say that I have learned from this tournament. Golf's a funny game," said Harrington.

Des Smyth finished in style with eagle three from 15 feet at the last hole for a round of 69 to be end-under for the championship. He balanced two birdies with two bogeys but is pleased with his four days.

"It has been a good week for me. I had a few bad moments but that eagle really finished the week in style. I played myself into a position to win but lost it. My iron play is weak but my short game is excellent. I'm happy with the way I finished," stresses Des.

Eamon Darcy, the leading Irish player going into the last round, also maintained his challenge with birdies at the 7th and 8th holes to move to 10-under while Darren Clarke has slipped back to 5-under after 13 holes. He had three bogeys in a row from the 11th.

Playing partner Graeme McDowell started at seven-under but has gone back to six-under after 13 holes.

Philip Walton closed with a one-over-par 72 to end the championship at two-under after rounds of 71,69,70,72. Not a terribly high place for the Malahide man but he is still reasonably pleased with his performance.

"I drove the ball well but I didn't putt too good. To finish two-under in the championship wasn't too bad," commented Walton who has entered for the European Open at The K Club this week.

CLUBHOUSE SCORES:

274 - P Harrington 71,68,69, 66

276 - D Smyth 67,68,72,69

282 - P Walton 71,69,70,72