PADRAIG HARRINGTON HEADED out to the first tee at Royal Portrush this afternoon with his sights firmly set on a first European Tour win since 2008.
The Dubliner has not tasted victory since picking up the British Open and PGA Championship in the space of a month four years ago but he has rediscovered some form in 2012 and finished fourth at the Olympic Club in the US Open a fortnight ago.
With Frenchman Gregory Bourdy leading the field at the midway point, Harrington currently carries the hopes of the home fans – sitting two shots back and tied for third on 10-under par after two rounds of 67.
Also in front of the 2007 Irish Open winner is England’s Mark Forster while Paul McGinley and Rory McIlroy are both 6-under par eight holes into today’s round.
Further down the leaderboard are 2009 champion Shane Lowry and Simon Thornton on -2 with four holes remaining.
