The Open: Practice Setbacks Leave Harrington Unsure of Title Defence

Padraig Harrington abandoned two attempts to play Royal Birkdale today on the eve of his Open title defence. Carrying an injury to his right wrist since last Saturday night, the Dubliner also admits he is unsure as to whether he will be able to complete all 72 holes.

"Yesterday I was fully sure I would play and was just worried I would inflame it," he said. "Today I am not so fully sure I will play. The plan is to go to the range [before his 7.58am tee-off time] and see what it's like."

American Heath Slocum would replace Harrington if he becomes the first Open champion not to defend his title since Ben Hogan in 1954. Hogan only ever played once in The Open, winning at Carnoustie (as Harrington did last year) and then not taking part at Birkdale 12 months later.

After thinking the wrist was making good progress, Harrington went to the 10th tee - he played the first nine holes on Tuesday, although did not hit any shots out of the rough as a precaution - but felt pain on only his second shot. He immediately went to have it looked at and returned with an ice pack but, on teeing off again, he felt it straight away. There was no question in his mind what to do after that - just walk the course and limit himself to some chipping and putting. He did not even do that on every green.

More than any Open in living memory, the countdown to this championship has needed a daily medical bulletin. World No1 Tiger Woods and England's Luke Donald are both out with injuries and the Harrington situation has dominated the final countdown to the 137th championship.

"The decision will be mine," added Harrington. "I cannot say anything at the moment other than I will be making a strenuous effort. "I will be apprehensive about hitting any shot. I'll certainly be apprehensive about hitting out of the rough. I have to hope it won't be like that tomorrow and it's an injury that as every day goes by we expect to get better."

On whether the Ryder Cup is a worry now, he insisted: "I don't think that's an issue. I have a week off next week that will help it."