From Page 1 of supplement

"I have no regrets," he said. "I hit a good putt but it broke more than I anticipated. I've really enjoyed the whole experience, particularly the last five holes."

Harrington had reason to be even more pleased with his performance over that stretch. Standing on the 17th fairway, only one under par for the round, he proceeded to set up a spectacular finish. With his best shot of the day, a superbly struck six iron of 190 yards, Harrington flew the ball to within 12 feet of the pin and proceeded to sink the putt for a birdie.

Down the last, he seemed destined to give the shot back when he pushed an eight iron approach into the right, greenside bunker. With less than 20 feet of green to work with, he reasoned that the best chance he had of saving par was to hit the pin. So, he lined up the shot with that in mind.

Perfect execution of an L wedge, however, saw the ball run at perfect pace on the intended line - and finish in the hole for another birdie. It was the fifth trap he had visited in the round and the score bore testimony to the quality of his bunker play. But he admitted: "I struggled today - I was very negative out there."

He went on: "In the circumstances, I'm thrilled with the outcome. If someone had told me I'd be six under par at this stage of the British Open, I'd have had them certified."

Meanwhile, Philip Walton, David Feherty and Des Smyth all missed the cut, with Smyth having the further disappointment of being disqualified after signing for an incorrect score.