Padraig Harrington loses ground in Honda race

It's not looking good for the Dubliner

Padraig Harrington's hopes of ending his six-year PGA Tour drought took a huge dip last night as the Irishman's Honda Classic challenge faded in Palm Beach, Florida. The 36-hole leader (his first halfway lead since 2010) dropped three early shots in yesterday's rain-delayed third round but remained tied for second on six under par after a pair of birdies rescued a one-over round of 71. Harrington, who won the tournament in 2005, had just a 30-minute turnaround before going out to begin his final 18 holes as the PGA attempted to play catch-up following the loss of all play on Saturday due to torrential downpours, and the three-time major champion struggled once more on the front nine, bogeying the fourth before a horrible drive led to two dropped shots on the sixth. The fading light meant Harrington returned to the clubhouse after seven holes, but he now trails playing partner Ian Poulter and the charging Paul Casey by four strokes in ninth place. Play resumes today at 1pm Irish time.