GOLF/World Cup: For ambitious men like Padraig Harrington and Paul McGinley, the pain of defeat doesn't get any easier; and neither is it soothed by the fact England - winners of the World Cup at Real Club de Golf de Sevilla - played exceptionally well. As McGinley, bitterly disappointed despite a strong performance in yesterday's foursomes left Ireland in third place, put it, "It just shows the standard of golf in the world now is bordering on the ridiculous."

His observation came after the Irish duo had produced a fine final round of 65 in foursomes to finish on 28-under-par 260, but still finished three shots adrift of Luke Donald and Paul Casey.

Unreal as it may seem, the English pair outperformed their fourball score in the more difficult foursomes format, a testament to their perfect partnership, first honed in their amateur days in the Walker Cup and strengthened by their participation in the Ryder Cup in September.

Yesterday, on a course that proffered birdies galore, Donald and Casey overtook Sergio Garcia and Miguel Angel Jimenez with a final round 64 to the Spaniards' 66 for a total of 31-under-par 257. It was the lowest final-round foursomes score in the history of the event and gave the Englishmen the biggest pay day of their careers, sharing the top prize of $1.4 million.

For Ireland, though, the sentiment was one of disappointment. Having started the day three shots behind leaders Spain, the Dubliners got off to a good start with birdies at the opening two holes.

Yet, despite playing near-flawless golf, the roars from the large gallery following the final group behind and glances at the on-course scoreboards kept them informed their birdie barrage wasn't making any inroads.

"I don't think people at home can appreciate how high the standard of golf is on tour," said McGinley. "We've played our hearts out today, almost a faultless round, and we've lost ground (on England).

"It's disheartening, but we gave it a real good go. I said at the start of the week that so much of this game is about destiny and the golfing gods just said, 'no, it's not your turn Ireland, it's England's turn'. It's hard to take."

McGinley added: "If it came down to any hole during the week, it was that damn 16th. It hurt us. Basically, we gave the field a three-shot start by taking (double bogey) seven there on Friday and we were a bit behind the eight ball from there on in."

Yesterday, the Irish duo parred the hole but, in truth, they needed an eagle at that stage to resuscitate their challenge.

However, McGinley's tee-shot kicked left on the fairway and finished a foot away from a bunker and left Harrington with no stance. Instead of going for the green in two, all he could do was lay-up and, with that, Ireland's pursuit of England was effectively over.

"It's disappointing, to be honest," admitted Harrington, who won the World Cup (before it became a World Golf Championship event) with McGinley in 1997. "We've gone a few years where we haven't really contended but we've contended here all week. It certainly could have been our week. That's the nature of golf sometimes, you need things to happen for you at the right time and it didn't for us.

"Full credit to England. They are the perfect foursomes combination on this golf course. This course is so one-sided and they've absolutely picked the perfect team for it. Paul's a very streaky putter and a long hitter and Luke's probably one of the best iron players in the game."

The Irish pair shared $400,000 for their third place finish.

McGinley, meanwhile, has a decision to make. As things stand, he is entered for this week's Chinese Open in Shanghai but also needs to undergo surgery on his knee, which will necessitate almost two months' recuperation.

"My gut instinct is to get my operation over with and to look ahead to next season," said McGinley. "The only problem is that I have unfinished business because I want to get into the field for the Accenture Matchplay in February. I'm 67th in the world rankings and have to get into the top 64. But I think I need to take care of my ailing body after a long year. I'll have a talk with my manager (Chubby Chandler) before I make the decision."

Seville Scores

- 31: England61 64 68 64

- 30: Spain 63 68 61 66

- 28: Ireland 60 71 64 65

- 25: S Africa66 65 64 68