Kaymer feels for Harrington

Martin Kaymer expressed sympathy for Padraig Harrington after taking charge of the Abu Dhabi Championship today.

Harrington was disqualified over a rules incident that came to light only after he had handed in a first-round 65.

That was the score defending champion Kaymer produced despite much tougher conditions and it took him from two behind Charl Schwartzel to three ahead of the South African.

German Kaymer, now 12 under par as he seeks a third win in the event in four years, had been due to play with Harrington again.

“It’s a very unfortunate thing, obviously,” he said. “But that’s how it is.

“The way he played I think he would have had a chance to win, so he’s a little unlucky there.”

After five birdies in his first seven holes and then two more on the back nine, the only mistake Kaymer made was not bringing warmer clothing as the weather changed.

“I didn’t even bring a sweater – I didn’t think I needed one in the desert,” added the US PGA champion, also last season’s European Tour number one.

“All I had was a rain jacket and a little cardigan.”