Harrington books Ryder Cup spot

Padraig Harrington’s second place finish in the French Open at the weekend has cemented his place in Ian Woosnam’s Ryder Cup team to take on the USA at the K Club in September.

Birdies on the 17th and 18th secured Harrington’s second place berth in Paris as he finished just one stroke behind England’s John Bickerton.

Harrington picked up a cheque for €444,44 and moves up to fifth place in the Ryder Cup points list, and into third place in the European Tour order of merit with €1,151, 809, behind leader David Howell (€1,867, 776) and Paul Casey (€1,183,030).

However, Paul McGinley has failed to match Harrington’s return to form and a poor final round saw him finish on nine over par for the tournament in Paris.

In the current standings, McGinley remains in the ten automatic qualifying positions for the Europe team, but his continuing dip in form is ominous.

Darren Clarke was absent at the weekend as he continues to care for his wife Heather, who is battling cancer.

Meanwhile, American JJ Henry finally tasted success on the US Tour at the 178th attempt today – and with it jumped from 26th to sixth in the US Ryder Cup standings.

The 31-year-old, ranked 116th in the world, won the Buick Championship by three shots from compatriots Hunter Mahan and Ryan Moore, US amateur champion two years ago.

Henry took advantage of the absence of the world’s top 20, going clear of the field with a third-round 63 and finishing with a 67 for a 14 under par total of 266.

His leap in the Ryder Cup table knocks Davis Love out of an automatic spot with seven weeks left in the United States race.