Harrington denies Tiger in Dunlop playoff
IN: News | Japan | Dunlop Phoenix Tournament (2006) | Wrap | by Bruce Young | 19 Nov 2006
Padraig Harrington has put the icing on a very sweet 2006 cake by defeating Tiger Woods on what has become Tiger's own patch at the Dunlop Phoenix in Miyazaki, Japan.
Just three weeks ago Harrington won the European Tour Order of Merit in 2006 by finishing runner up to Jeev Milkha Singh at the Volvo Masters, then finished 6th last week in Shanghai and a win this week.
Harrington's last nine holes turned around a three shot deficit he had faced as both he and Woods - who were playing together with Shingo Katayama - made the turn. Both were forced to birdie the reachable par five last to force the playoff before Harrington birdied the second extra hole.
Woods was looking to win this event for the third consecutive year but was forced to finish as runner up for the second week in a row after his runner up placing to Y.E. Yang in China last week.
Katayama had made a hot start when he birdied three of the first six holes and had the locals hoping that the leading player in Japan could match it with the superstars of world golf but a double bogey at the 8th brought an end to his challenge.
Justin Rose continued a very good 2006 for him by finishing fourth after a last round of 66. Rose is now on his way to Melbourne for this week's MasterCard Masters. The 26-year-old Englishman has move to another level in 2006.
The best of the Australians was Scott Laycock who finished in 13th place, Chris Campbell, Steve Conran and David Smail were 25th, while Craig Jones was 45th.
Photo - JGT
