Harrington makes it unlucky 20 in Madrid

Padraig Harrington has now finished second 20 times in his career after yet another near-miss in the Madrid Open yesterday.

Harrington moves on to the season-ending Volvo Masters starting at Valderrama on Thursday and he has the chance to finish third on the Order of Merit behind Ernie Els and Darren Clarke – already certain to be first and second.

Victory for Harrington would have been his third at Club de Campo, but missed putts of six and 18 feet on the final two greens meant he finished joint runner-up .

Harrington took comfort from the fact that he had come from seven behind at the start of the day to lead by one with four holes remaining.

“Six under is a good last round,” stated the Dubliner. “I couldn’t convert a couple of good shots at the end, but when I teed off I didn’t think I had a chance to win.”