Wrist injury an unexpected bonus for Harrington

By Norman Dabell

SOUTHPORT (Reuters) - Champion Padraig Harrington believes the wrist he injured in the build-up to this week's British Open has been a boost to his title defence rather than a hindrance.

The Irishman jarred his right wrist on an 'impact bag' while training in the gym last week and was unable to put in any serious practice before Thursday's opening round.

"Good for me was the fact I only played nine holes before the tournament started," Harrington told reporters after moving into a tie for second in Saturday's third round at Birkdale.

"The 54 holes would probably feel like 108 but at least I didn't tire myself out on the Tuesday and Wednesday.

"When it's windy like today, you battle one hole, one shot at a time. At the end of the day, it's sometimes hard to remember what you did earlier in the round."

BRUTAL CONDITIONSS

The Irishman carded a two-over-par 72 in brutal conditions at Birkdale where gale-force winds gusted up to 72-kph (45-mph).

He birdied two of the last four holes to post a four-over total of 214, level with South Korean K.J. Choi and two behind the leader Greg Norman.