Golfer Harrington in pre-Open injury scare

SOUTHPORT, England (AFP) — Padraig Harrington's defence of his British Open title is under threat as a result of a wrist injury he suffered at the weekend, it emerged on Tuesday.

The Irishman was avoiding playing shots out of the rough during a practice round after admitting that he was fearful of what would happen when he is forced to put real pressure on the wrist, which he injured on Saturday.

"I've been having treatment and I'm strongly hopeful I will be able to play," Harrington told Ireland's RTE radio. "The only issue would be if I re-injured it in the rough and that's what is a little bit scary."

"Asked if he would definitely tee it up for the first round on Thursday, Harrington admitted: "I don't know. It has improved over the last two days but I just can't be sure until ...