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Harrington claims Open Championship

20/07/2008

Padraig Harrington retained the Open Championship with victory at Royal Birkdale.

The 36-year-old Irishman won by four shots from Ian Poulter at the end of an encapsulating Championship.

Harrington fired a final round of 69 to leave him three over with a score of 283 from his four rounds.

Poulter had also shot a final round 69, which left him in the clubhouse on seven over, but Harrington produced some great golf to secure the crown.

It had been touch and go all day with Poulter, Harrington and Greg Norman all vying for the Claret Jug.

Greg Norman had taken a two-shot lead into the final round, but the veteran Australian hit three bogey's in succession to leave himself with an uphill task.

Harrington produced a stunning run on the final stages of the back nine, and when he holed an eagle on the 17th the title was as good as his.

Harrington, who beat Sergio Garcia in a play-off at Carnoustie last year, was a major doubt in the days leading up to the event after injuring his wrist winning the Irish PGA.

The Dubliner now joins an exclusive group of golfers who have won back-to-back Open Championships.