Injury scare for champion Harrington

SOUTHPORT (Reuters) - Padraig Harrington's title defense at this week's British Open was in doubt on Tuesday with the Irishman battling to shrug off a wrist injury.

The 36-year-old Dubliner injured his right wrist while hitting into an 'impact bag' on Saturday and did not strike a golf shot for the next two days.

Asked how confident he was about teeing off in Thursday's opening round at Royal Birkdale, Harrington told RTE radio: "I'm just not sure. I don't know.

"The only issue would be if I re-injured it in the rough and that's what is a little bit scary.

"Mentally I'm quite positive, I'm just a bit worried about it being weak and flaring up where I can't continue to play. I think I will be teeing it up with strapping (on it) but who knows. If it hadn't been the Open, I would have pulled out."

After having further treatment on Tuesday morning, Harrington played the outward nine at Birkdale without attempting any shots from the rough.

"It was okay for nine holes but just felt a bit fuzzy," he told reporters. "I just have to keep going to the physio for treatment and hopefully I can play the back nine tomorrow or maybe even 18.

"My problem is if I hit into the rough and do some damage. But I am much happier now than I was this morning."

Should the Irishman launch his title defense as scheduled, he will be eager to forget his status as the champion.

LIFELONG AMBITION

Although he achieved a lifelong ambition and a maiden major victory by beating Spaniard Sergio Garcia in a playoff at Carnoustie last year, he has no desire to look back.

"I have to try and play down being the defending champion," Harrington said. "It obviously is a distraction for me.

"In some way I have to focus on 2008. However I perform this week has no bearing on the fact I won in 2007.

"I have to try and distinctly separate this event and play it as any major, as a new event."

Since lifting the prized Claret Jug at Carnoustie, Harrington has relished performing his duties as British Open champion.

"There's nothing I would want to change," he said. "There was a period just before Christmas where I overdid things. I did far too many interviews and I really was fatigued.

"But I wouldn't give it up. That's all part of being the Open champion, winning your first major. It's fantastic.

"There's no question it brings an extra pressure, it brings expectation and distraction going on to the golf course. You do try a little harder."

Harrington is scheduled to tee off at 0758 local (0658 GMT) on Thursday with South African Retief Goosen and 1997 winner Justin Leonard of the U.S.

(Editing by Tony Jimenez)