British Open: Pádraig Harrington defied strong gusting winds to complete a successful British Open title defence with a commanding four-shot victory at Royal Birkdale today.

After duelling for supremacy with overnight leader Greg Norman on the front nine, the Dubliner broke clear of the pack with birdies on 13 and 15 to tighten his grip on the coveted Claret Jug.
   
In glorious late afternoon sunshine, the 36-year-old struck a majestic second shot with a utility wood to just four feet at the par-five 17th, setting up an eagle to put the championship beyond the reach of his rivals.
   
Harrington, whose title defence had been in doubt at the start of the week because of an injury to his right wrist, parred the last for a one-under 69, a three-over tally of 283 and his second major victory.
 
"I really felt good out there," a beaming Harrington said afterwards after covering the back nine in four-under 32. "I hit the ball probably every bit as solid as I've ever hit it.
   
"Very few people have won back-to-back majors. Coming into this week I was trying to play that down but winning a second one does set you apart. There are less people in that club.
   
"It was a fantastic experience coming down the 18th knowing I had won the Open," added the Dubliner, who will rise to a career-high third in the world rankings tomorrow.
    
England's Ian Poulter, helped by three birdies in the last 10 holes, signed off with a 69 to secure second place, his best finish in golf's grand slam events.
   
Australian Norman, bidding to become the oldest major champion at 53, had to settle for a tie for third at nine over after squandering a two-shot overnight lead and a one-stroke advantage with nine holes remaining.
   
The former world number one, who has triumphed only once in eight attempts when holding at least a share of the 54-hole lead in a major, bogeyed his first three holes en route to a 77.
   
Level with Norman was long-hitting Swede Henrik Stenson, who signed off with a 71.

"Obviously I'm disappointed," said Norman. "That would be an understatement if I didn't say I was disappointed. But it was a tough day today.
   
"Pádraig played great. Even though he tried to let it get away in the middle of the round he came back and performed beautifully and finished like a true Open champion."

Graeme McDowell finished tied 19th on 14 over after his final round 72.