Harrington supreme at gusty Birkdale

SOUTHPORT, England: Padraig Harrington, playing one of the best rounds of his life, defied strong gusting winds to complete a successful British Open title defense with a commanding four-shot victory on Sunday.

After dueling for supremacy with overnight leader Greg Norman on the front nine, Irishman Harrington broke clear of the pack with birdies on 13 and 15 to tighten his grip on the coveted Claret Jug.

In glorious late afternoon sunshine at Royal Birkdale, the 36-year-old struck a majestic second shot with a five-wood to just three feet at the par-5 17th, setting up an eagle to put the championship beyond the reach of his rivals.