General / Editor / 21 May 2007 /

Padraig Harrington overcame a nervy finish to end Ireland's 25-year wait for a 'home' win in the Irish Open by beating Bradley Dredge in a play-off.

The Ryder Cup star has now been supported in to 7.4 to claim the Order of Merit title, having previously been matched at 22 to small stakes, as his win shot him up to third in the standings.

Current leader Henrik Stenson, who missed the event at Adare Manor, remains the strong 2.18 favourite while Retief Goosen, who lies in second, is also available at 7.4.

The 35-year-old Dubliner had been four clear with nine to play and two ahead starting the 17th but Dredge clawed back the deficit to force the extra holes.

However, Harrington kept his composure to win at the first play-off hole and he rates the victory as one of the biggest highlights of his career.

"I would put it as an equal (achievement)," Harrington said. "The World Cup I won with Paul McGinley was just unbelievable, there's no question about it. I would have to say for excitement that was incredible.

"The Ryder Cup in 2002, again, unbelievable, the excitement in that. There have been a number of other events, but this is at the top of the pile, no question about it. But I wouldn't set it apart."

Next up for Harrington is the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth and as well as the prize money on offer, the world number 12 can give his Merit title chances a real boost as a bonus of one million euros has been offered to the winner of both the Irish Open and the upcoming Wentworth event.

With more star players lined up this weekend, Harrington is currently on offer at 20 to lift the title. Ernie Els heads the developing market at 9.6, ahead of Vijay Singh (10), Stenson (15), Goosen (16), Luke Donald (16.5) and Paul Casey (18).

'.$sign_up['title'].'

'; } } ?>