Harrington 75 percent hopeful of being fit

By Norman Dabell

SOUTHPORT (Reuters) - Champion Padraig Harrington said he was "75 percent hopeful" of playing in Thursday's British Open first round after a wrist injury scare.

Harrington has been troubled by a sore right wrist since jarring it when using an 'impact' bag in the gym at the weekend. On Wednesday, after feeling sharp pain while hitting his driver, he limited practice to wedge play and putting.

The 36-year-old Irishman was alarmed to find the pain acute when he tried two drives earlier and sought treatment with physio Dale Richardson before continuing practice in the afternoon.

He said he would use painkilling tablets and play through the pain if necessary.

"My plan is to warm up and see what it's like tomorrow," Harrington told reporters. "But I'm 75 percent hopeful of playing.

"I'm going to have to find some painkillers but I don't think the injury is serious enough to need a cortisone injection. I'll look for some other way round.

"I'm happy with the fact it has stabilised and the strength has improved but I was hoping it would have disappeared today."

WINDY CONDITIONS