Padraig Harrington is feeling good about his chances of hanging on to the Claret Jug for another year after retaining his Irish PGA title by four shots at The European Club.

The Dubliner grabbed his first win for more than eight months when he closed with a 72 to finish four shots clear of surprise Open qualifier Philip Walton on one-over par.

And while he spotted a flaw in his set up that he hopes to sort out before Thursday's opening round at Royal Birkdale, he arrived on Merseyside yesterday with an extra spring in his step

It's not quite a case of mission accomplished but Padraig Harrington believes he is right on track with his Open Championship preparations after moving into an impressive six-shot lead in the Ladbrokes.com Irish PGA.

Open champion Padraig Harrington worked hard on the late shift to cruise clear of the field in the Ladbrokes.com Irish PGA Championship at The European Club last night.

The Dubliner did not start his weather delayed second round until 5.30 pm and finished in total darkness at 10.21.

After an early double bogey six, he rattled off six birdies and a bogey in a magical 11-hole spell to move to the head of affairs on one-over par after a best of the week 68.