Harrington faces daunting defence

Padraig Harrington has to beat 10 of the world’s top 12 if he is to make a successful defence of the Barclays Classic in America this week.

Mind you, it could have been even tougher for the Dubliner. Ernie Els was due to play as well, but after a closing 81 in the Memorial tournament the South African star announced he was taking the week off and will prepare for the US Open in private instead.