Harrington reigns supreme at blowy Birkdale

Padraig Harrington defied strong gusting winds to complete a successful Open title defence with a commanding four-shot victory.

After duelling for supremacy with overnight leader Greg Norman on the front nine, Irishman Harrington broke clear of the pack with birdies on 13 and 15 to tighten his grip on the coveted Claret Jug.

In glorious late afternoon sunshine at Royal Birkdale, the 36-year-old struck a majestic second shot with a utility wood to just four feet at the par-five 17th, setting up an eagle to put the championship beyond the reach of his rivals.

Harrington, whose title defence was in doubt at the start of the event because of an injury to his right wrist, parred the last for a one-under 69, a three-over tally of 283 and his second major victory.

"With a four-shot lead after eagling 17 I knew I had won," a beaming Harrington said after covering the back nine in a four-under 32.

Britain's Ian Poulter, helped by three birdies in the last 10 holes, also signed off with a 69 to secure second place at seven over, his best finish in golf's grand slam events.

Australian Norman, bidding to become the oldest major champion at 53, had to settle for a tie for third at nine over after squandering a two-shot overnight lead and a one-stroke advantage with nine holes remaining.

© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.

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