Injury puts Harrington Open title bid at risk

Padraig Harrington has suffered an injury scare only days before his defence of the Open Championship here.

Harrington was "very concerned" when he called his physiotherapist after injuring his wrist on Saturday and was advised not to hit any balls out of the rough during practice for fear of aggravating the problem.

The Dubliner was out on the course today warming up ahead of Thursday's first round and insisted he will still be able to take part.

"I've been having treatment and I'm strongly hopeful I will be able to play," he said.

"The only issue would be if I re-injured it in the rough and that's what is a little bit scary. I'm going for physio now and then out to see if I can hit shots. If it stays stable I will play a practice round but pick the ball up in the rough. If it's not stable I will have another day off."

Asked if he would definitely tee off at 7.58am on Thursday with Retief Goosen and Justin Leonard, Harrington told RTE radio: "I don't know. It has improved over the last two days but I just can't be sure until I hit start hitting shots. I could not support the weight of the club with my wrist on Saturday and Sunday.

"I can do that now but I don't know about hitting into the turf or the rough and that's something I can't really test."

Harrington's physiotherapist Dale Richardson said: "When we spoke on Saturday he was very concerned. He said he couldn't lift a club, but at this stage it's responding very nicely. I told him to play nine holes and I'll see him after that. He's not allowed to hit a ball out of the rough."