Rose ready to meet Harrington challenge
Justin Rose and Padraig Harrington have both had nice things to say about each other going into the Volvo Masters at Valderrama in Spain.
But this afternoon it was down to business as they went head-to-head in the battle to be crowned Europe’s number one this season.
A race that began in Shanghai last November enters the last four rounds with just £461 (€661) separating the two – Harrington has £1,598,618 (€2,298,539), Rose £1,598,157 (€2,297,876).
The problem for both of them is that Ernie Els has £1,751,044 (€2,517,846), but the South African has left the door open by playing in Singapore this week.
A top three finish is required by the two Europeans – and they clearly feel that each other is capable of that.
“He’s a good competitor. He’s obviously a great player. He’s turned into the best player in Europe,” said Rose of the Open champion.
Asked for Harrington’s strengths as he saw them he replied: “Strength of mind, determined, tenacious.
“I think we can all learn from his work ethic to a certain extent. I don’t necessarily believe in having to be out on the range all day every day, but I think he makes intelligent decisions based on what’s going to be best for his game.
“I think he’s the all-round professional really.”
As for Harrington on Rose the Dubliner commented: “Justin’s had a great year and he’s really developed into a big player.
“His name and his reputation was there for years, but his performances this year are carrying this through and he’s really set himself up to carry on with this.
“If we were asked the question a year ago of which young English pros or British pros are going to win a major we would have come up with a few names before Justin. Now, whether you do or don’t put him at the top he’s going to be very close.”
They are respectively the seventh and 12th ranked players in the world, Rose having risen from 51st this season and Harrington having maintained his position in the top 10.
The 36-year-old is also the defending Order of Merit champion, having finished joint second in the Volvo Masters last year after starting the week £151,978 (€218,530) behind Paul Casey.
That experience is good to have in the memory bank, especially since he was down in 13th place with a round to go and still pulled it off with a closing 69.
It all came down, in fact, to Sergio Garcia bogeying the final hole when a par would have given him a play-off with Jeev Milkha Singh and would have left Casey as number one.
