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Harrington up to third after Open victory

21/07/2008

Ireland's Padraig Harrington has moved up to third in the world golf rankings after retaining his Open Championship title at Royal Birkdale yesterday.

The 36-year-old cruised to a four-shot victory in gusty conditions at the Southport course, holding off the challenge of veteran former winner Greg Norman and in-form Englishman Ian Poulter.

And his reward is a place in the world's top three, alongside number one Tiger Woods and number two Phil Mickelson, after moving up 11 spots.

Third place is a career-best ranking for Harrington, while Poulter – who finished second at the Open - moves up to 23rd.

Despite his absence from the tournament, Woods retains his advantage at the top of the standings with a substantial lead over the rest of the Tour.

After Mickelson and Harrington, Australia's Adam Scott is fourth with Ernie Els of South Africa in fifth.

The top ten is completed by Geoff Ogilvy (Australia), Sergio Garcia (Spain), Stewart Cink (USA), Steve Stricker (USA) and Jim Furyk (USA).

Sweden's Henrik Stenson, who finished in a tie with Norman for third at the Open, is 11th with England's Justin Rose in 12th.