Harrington comes alive in Heidelberg

Defending champion Padraig Harrington suddenly burst into life at the Deutsche Bank-SAP Open in Heidelberg today.

A day which began with Ryder Cup hopeful Ian Poulter pulling out after hearing that his fiancee had gone into labour saw Harrington charge from six under to 10 under in the space of four holes.

It took the Dubliner into a share of the lead with France’s Gregory Havret and South African Trevor Immelman, although Havret then nosed back in front with a birdie at the par-five 12th.

Harrington, out in 36, started his burst with a birdie at the 455-yard 10th. He then chipped in from long range at the 12th and hit his tee shot to the 178-yard next to within a foot of the hole.

Cejka, three clear when he resumed, managed only an outward 38 in the windy conditions and slipped back to fourth spot alongside Swede Joakim Haeggman, who had a best-of-the-day 66.

Darren Clarke was one further back after matching Harrington’s eagle at the 12th, while world number three Ernie Els and former world number one Nick Price, playing together, were six under.