Harrington moves into contention but Els and Schwartzel hold sway

Published on Saturday 13 March 2010 21:03

PADRAIG Harrington is right in the thick of things with a round to go at the WGC-CA Championship in Miami. Ireland's three-time major winner, whose last Tour title was the US PGA 19 months ago, moved into a tie for the lead before three-putting the last for his only bogey of the day.

A five-under-par 67 leaves Harrington 11 under par, one behind South Africans Ernie Els and Charl Schwartzel in the race for a first prize of over 925,000.

Els, one in front of Australian Robert Allenby at halfway, had a chance to establish a firm grip on the event, but missed from four feet at the 13th and three feet on the 16th. He returned a 70, while 25-year-old Schwartzel – twice a winner in his home country already this year – matched Harrington's round.

"That finish leaves a sour taste, but it has no effect on the outcome tomorrow," said Harrington. "Who plays the best is going to win. "I putted all right today and I hit a good second putt. I will take certainly take another 67."

Allenby is in fourth place two back, while German Martin Kaymer (66) and England's Paul Casey (68) are not out of the running at eight under and seven under respectively. Casey was given extra motivation afterwards when told about television commentator Johnny Miller calling him "the biggest under-achiever in golf."

Asked specifically about Miller's words Casey said: "I can't comment on that. There's a lot I could say, but I will leave you to defend me. It's a back-handed compliment, I suppose."