Harrington rated fourth favourite at Carnoustie

CARNOUSTIE, Scotland, July 17 (Reuters) World number 10 Padraig Harrington is rated fourth favourite to land the British Open title, even though he has not appeared in the final two rounds of the championship since 2003.

The 35-year-old Irishman missed the cut in 2004 and 2006 and did not play the 2005 edition due to the death of his father.

This week at Carnoustie, though, the bookmakers place Harrington behind only Tiger Woods, Ernie Els and Phil Mickelson on the betting list.

Less practice and a gentle warm-up in Ireland last week might be the recipe for Harrington to better his best British Open finish of tied fifth.

''Fourth favourite? Hopefully they're right but having not won a major before it's always going to be difficult,'' he told reporters today.

''I'm capable of doing it but doing it is another question. All I can ask is to get myself into the heat of the hunt with nine holes to go and see what happens.

''Bear in mind, though, this is probably one of the toughest courses and I think it could be a tough one for an outsider.'' Harrington hopes his decision not to hit too many balls in practice this time may pay dividends.

''I've definitely been one to overdo it, more so when I have a week off,'' he said. ''I just get far too much practice and in the end come out not match ready.

''I've then played very well the week after a major many times in the past. So (this time) it has been a question of getting a nice competitive warm-up,'' added Harrington, who last week competed in the Irish PGA Championship.

REUTERS DH BD1826