Padraig Harrington reigns supreme

By Mark Lamport-Stokes

SOUTHPORT (Reuters) - Padraig Harrington, playing one of the best rounds of his life, defied strong gusting winds to complete a successful British Open title defence with a commanding four-shot victory on Sunday.

After duelling for supremacy with overnight leader Greg Norman on the front nine, Irishman Harrington broke clear of the pack with birdies on 13 and 15 to tighten his grip on the coveted Claret Jug.

In glorious late afternoon sunshine at Royal Birkdale, the 36-year-old struck a majestic second shot with a five-wood to just three feet at the par-five 17th, setting up an eagle to put the championship beyond the reach of his rivals.

Harrington, whose title defence was in doubt at the start of the event because of an injury to his right wrist, parred the last for a one-under 69, a three-over tally of 283 and his second major victory.

"I really felt good out there," a beaming Harrington told reporters after covering the back nine in a four-under 32. "I hit the ball probably every bit as solid as I've ever hit it.

"Very few people have won back-to-back majors. Coming into this week I was trying to play that down but winning a second one does set you apart. There are less people in that club.

"It was a fantastic experience coming down the 18th knowing I had won the Open," added the Dubliner, who will rise to a career-high third in the world rankings on Monday.

Britain's Ian Poulter, helped by three birdies in the last 10 holes, also signed off with a 69 to secure second place at seven over, his best finish in golf's grand slam events.