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| | Saturday, 6 July, 2002, 11:41 GMT 12:41 UK Harrington scents home win Harrington is just one shot behind Michael Campbell A brilliant closing eagle has given Padraig Harrington a golden opportunity to clinch the Smurfit European Open crown at the K Club near Dublin. After Darren Clarke's hopes of a successful defence disappeared with six successive bogeys on the front nine, Harrington kept his hopes alive with a 69. That took the 31-year-old Ryder Cup star to six under par and a share of first place until Michael Campbell birdied the same hole moments later to take a one-shot lead.
The New Zealander, who carded a 70, retained his one-stroke advantage from Friday but now he has Harrington and 1999 Open champion Paul Lawrie on his heels. "After playing in the New Zealand Open the last seven years I understand why Padraig is playing so well, like Darren did last year," said Campbell. "He is going to be hard to beat, but he is definitely beatable. "Irish fans respect the players and are very fair and knowledgeable. "Hopefully there will be no bantering going on against me." Harrington could go top of the European Order of Merit for the first time in his career if he wins and current money list leader Retief Goosen has a bad day.
"This week means more because it is at home," he said. "This course is half an hour from where I grew up. The gallery is a spur, but there is also extra pressure and extra distractions." Barry Lane lies fourth on five under, one ahead of Colin Montgomerie and Swede Joakim Haeggman. Ian Woosnam is five back after a joint best-of-the-day 67. Montgomerie was delighted by his score - seven better than his Friday effort - but said: "I've got to get my driving sorted out if I want to win tomorrow. "I am pulling it left. I have no idea why and if anybody has get any ideas I will talk to them." 'Not ideal' Woosnam's score does not change the fact he might not play all four rounds of the Barclays Scottish Open next week. It is the reports of the underfoot conditions at Loch Lomond that gives the 44-year-old Welshman cause for concern about the final warm-up event for the Open at Muirfield in a fortnight. "I've heard it is really wet like last year and when the ground is spongy I get backache," he said. "I'll travel and give it a go, but it's not going to be ideal preparation for the Open by the sound of it and I'll make a decision at some point." | |
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