Last orders for Goosen and Harrington

Padraig Harrington and Retief Goosen face each other head-to-head tomorrow as their duel for the European Order of Merit reaches its climax.

Separated by less than £15,000 (€23,450) after 21 tournaments each, the two have been paired together for the first round of the Volvo Masters at Valderrama in Spain.

It is their first golfing clash since Goosen labelled Harrington “definitely the slowest player on tour” two weeks ago – and Harrington hit back by saying the South African was “no boy racer himself”.

The subject was raised by Goosen when the two stablemates had breakfast together today.

But while the Dubliner refused to say whether it amounted to an apology – “I think it’s best left as a conversation between me and him” – Goosen chose not to give a press conference at all.

“There might be a distraction there. But we are both big boys, and it should not be an issue,” said Harrington, who knows he needs to focus solely on his game and the course if he is to come from behind to snatch the title.

“At this stage it would be foolish to believe either of us doesn’t have the capabilities to focus.”

Harrington’s determination to succeed is shown in the masses of mosquito bites and resultant lumps he has on his arms and face – the result of practising late last night.

Goosen, in a peace-making role now, said: “I’m good friends with Padraig and I enjoy playing with him. We will have a good time, and it’s good that it comes down to this.

“It’s nice to have the final event decide it.

Last year he had already clinched the crown when Harrington won the Volvo Masters.

Goosen played in America last week but remained out in front because his rival, having missed a great chance to win the Madrid Open a fortnight ago after leading with a round to play, was only sixth in the Italian Open.

Harrington needed a closing 63 – his lowest round of the year – for that and said: “I’m happy with what I got out of the week, but I’m struggling a bit with my putter.”