Holder Harrington charges into Birkdale contention

By Norman Dabell

SOUTHPORT (Reuters) - Champion Padraig Harrington, helped by a 35-foot eagle putt at the 17th, picked up four shots in the last four holes to storm into contention at the British Open on Friday.

Despite nursing an injury to his right wrist, the Irishman also birdied the 15th and the last to fire a two-under-par 68 in the second round at Royal Birkdale.

Although Harrington began well with a birdie at the second, he lost ground on early leader Greg Norman by dropping three shots before he reached the 12th tee.

His spectacular finish, however, gave him the chance to successfully defend his British Open title and match the achievement of world number one Tiger Woods at Hoylake in 2006.

The start of Harrington's round coincided with a heavy squall on another windy day on the Lancashire links course but, as conditions improved, so did the holder's fortunes.

"When we started, we were feeling very sorry for ourselves and then the wind suddenly changed to make things even tougher," Harrington told reporters. "All of a sudden I'm starting to leak a few shots and wondered what the cut is.

EAGLE COMFORT

"Then I had the comfort of the eagle," he added, referring to his long-range putt at the par-five 17th. "You don't get many of those in Open championships; it was a real bonus.