PADRAIG HARRINGTON is not yet ready to rule out completing a hat-trick of Open titles in 15 days' time despite his fifth missed cut in a row at the French Open.
"I have another week," said the Dubliner after a second round 75 that included a triple bogey eight on the 14th.
As he did before his victories at Carnoustie and Birkdale, Harrington will play fur rounds on a links course in the Irish PGA Champion
ship this week.
Last year he overcame a wrist injury to win by four. This time, though, it is a crisis of confidence as much as anything.
"I was never comfortable on the greens this week," added Harrington. "I am hoping that's all it was. I just putted terribly all week and didn't gain any confidence."
Argentina's Rafa Echenique led on 10-under going into today's third round at Le Golf National, two ahead of England's Steve Webster, German Martin Kaymer and South African Charl Schwartzel.
Lothians ace David Drysdale dropped out of contention after coming home in 41, six-over, in his second round of 76.
The Dunbar player was five-under after a birdie at the ninth only to undo his good work with two double-bogeys as well as two bogeys on the back nine.
Bathgate's Stephen Gallacher missed the cut after rounds of 74 and 79.
In the Credit Suisse Challenge in Switzerland, Raymond Russell and Lloyd Saltman also made early exits.
