Closing eagle gives Harrington opportunity

A brilliant closing eagle has given Padraig Harrington a golden opportunity to clinch the European Open crown at the K Club.

After Darren Clarke's hopes of a successful defence disappeared with six successive bogeys on the front nine, Harrington kept his hopes alive with a drive and seven-iron to six feet on the 537-yard last.

It brought him a 69, taking him to six under par and into the joint lead - but that was before Michael Campbell birdied the same hole.

The New Zealander, round in 70, retained his one-stroke advantage but now he has Harrington and Paul Lawrie - also 69 - on his heels.

"After playing in the New Zealand Open the last seven years I understand why Padraig is playing so well, like Darren did last year," said Campbell. "He is going to be hard to beat, but he is definitely beatable.

"Irish fans respect the players and are very fair and knowledgeable. Hopefully there will be no bantering going on against me."

Harrington could go top of the European Order of Merit for the first time in his career if he wins and current money list leader Retief Goosen has a bad day.

"This week means more because it's at home," he said. "This course is half an hour from where I grew up. The gallery is a spur, but there's also extra pressure and extra distractions.

"With the Irish Open being last week you get more comfortable with it, but it's a double-edged sword. At Fota Island I got frustrated because the support was there and I was not delivering.

"I got a bit despondent and dropped a couple of shots because of it, but when things are going well there's nothing better. It can only bring a smile to your face when you're cheered onto a green."

Lane lies fourth now on five under, one ahead of Colin Montgomerie and Joakim Haeggman. Ian Woosnam is five back after a joint best-of-the-day 67.