Perfect start to 2007 season for Padraig

Padraig Harrington got 2007 off to the perfect start - without hitting a shot.

The Dubliner moved up one place to seventh in the latest World Rankings despite the fact that he does not return to action until next week's Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.

Fiji's Vijay Singh moved up two places to fifth in the world following his three-shot win over Adam Scott in the Mercedes-Benz Championship in Hawaii.

Singh's win in the PGA Tour's season-opener was the 30th of his career in America and made him only the second player after Tiger Woods to top $50million in prize money.

The former World No 1, 43, has now won 18 times since reaching the age of 40, beating the record held by the legendary Sam Snead.

Singh said: "Hopefully it doesn't stop there. I feel good and I'm looking forward to the season. Hopefully there's a lot more wins.

"Life doesn't stop at 40 - it just begins I guess. And anyone who says 43 is old can go to hell!"

Apart from Harrington, the first world ranking of 2007 was bad news for Ireland's top players.

Darren Clarke fell five places to 40th while 40 year old Paul McGinley slipped three spots to 74th.

Portrush star Graeme McDowell crashed to 139th - down seven places on his end of year ranking.

1 (1) Tiger Woods USA 19.89
2 (2) Jim Furyk USA 8.72
3 (4) Adam Scott Aus 7.50
4 (3) Phil Mickelson USA 6.78
5 (7) Vijay Singh Fij 5.97
6 (5) Ernie Els SAf 5.88
7 (8) Padraig Harrington Ire 5.55
8 (6) Retief Goosen SAf 5.53
9 (10) Geoff Ogilvy Aus 5.26
10 (9) Luke Donald Eng 5.26

Other Irish
40 (35) Darren Clarke NIr 2.59
74 (71) Paul McGinley Ire 1.81
139 (132) Graeme McDowell Nir 1.14