Harrington stays optimistic despite cut worries

By Mark Lamport-Stokes

TURNBERRY, Scotland (Reuters) - Ireland's Padraig Harrington believed he was still capable of completing a rare hat-trick of British Open titles, despite flirting with the cut line in Friday's second round.

The world number 14 carded a four-over-par 74 in difficult, windy conditions on Turnberry's Ailsa Course, finishing right on the projected cut at three-over 143.

"I wasn't thinking about making the cut," three-times major winner Harrington told reporters after making his only birdie of the day at the par-five 17th.

"I was thinking I'm eight shots behind (the leader). That's not insurmountable on the weekend on a links golf course, especially like this."

The early lead was held by little-known American Steve Marino, who fired a 68 for a five-under aggregate of 135.

Harrington's biggest reason for optimism was the progress of his game after working hard with swing coach Bob Torrance.

"I've changed three things in my backswing and three things on my downswing, and I started off trying to change one," the 37-year-old said with a broad grin.

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