Harrington flying in Portugal

More than four years on from his last European Tour win Padraig Harrington charged into a share of the early second round lead at the Portugal Masters today.

Ireland’s three-time major champion had four birdies in his first six holes to move alongside overnight pacesetters Ross Fisher and Stephen Gallacher on six under par.

Harrington and Fisher were both unable to retain their Ryder Cup places this season, despite the 41-year-old Dubliner finishing fourth in the US Open and eighth in The Masters.

Miguel Angel Jimenez, another of the 2010 Celtic Manor side who was one of Europe’s vice-captains in Chicago two weeks ago, moved only one behind by matching three of Harrington’s birdies.

Three months away from his 49th birthday, Jimenez is trying to become the oldest winner in the circuit’s history.

Fisher and Gallacher were among the later starters on day two, hoping that the wind did not pick up as it did in the opening round.