Lefty faces tough defense of HSBC Champions crown

Phil Mickelson and Padraig Harrison head up the greatest field of golfers ever assembled in Asia for this week's 2008 HSBC Champions in Shanghai.

World No 2 Mickelson of the United States is keen to defend his title in China's financial hub while Irishman Harrington, the star of this season's golf calendar, hopes to add to his two Majors from 2008.

"If anyone beats Phil to the title they will have deserved the win," said Harrington. "There are so many world-class players in the field that almost anyone could do it, and they will get extra recognition because the trophy has Phil's name on it already."