Second place not good enough for Poulter

By Norman Dabell

SOUTHPORT (Reuters) - Ian Poulter's second place in the British Open boosted his Ryder Cup ambitions but he was less than pleased with finishing runner-up to Ireland's Padraig Harrington.

"It's all about winning, I finished second today," Poulter told reporters after shooting a 69 for a seven-over total of 287 at Royal Birkdale on Sunday. "I'm not going to hold a second place as high as some of my (seven European Tour) wins.

"Padraig has gone out there and shown he's a worthy winner again and that's what you strive for. You don't strive to finish second, you strive to win.

"That's what will make me practice harder and harder."

The Englishman shared the lead with Harrington coming down the closing stretch and the 2004 Ryder Cup player felt he showed he had the ability to go one better in a major.

"I've known I can perform and I can play good, I guess (I've) just (been) trying to let that come out in me," said Poulter.

"I've certainly put in a decent show today. There's plenty more in me and I know I can do better. I'll take a lot of confidence from that.

ROLLER-COASTER RIDE