Padraig Harrington was fuming after a combination of bad luck, bad weather and dubious decision making left his Order of Merit hopes hanging by a thread at the Volvo Masters.

Miguel Angel Jiménez was fuming at Valderrama yesterday and all without the benefit of his trademark Cuban cigar.

The magic touch that has defined Padraig Harrington’s double Major winning season deserted him so utterly at windy Valderrama yesterday that the Dubliner will now require a feat of escapology worthy of Houdini if he is to lift the Harry Vardon Trophy for the second time.

Robert Karlsson is running scared at Valderrama - from Padraig Harrington’s missus.

Padraig Harrington claims that he will not be greatly perturbed if he fails to apply the finishing touch to his incredible season by winning the Order of Merit for the second time at Valderrama this week, writes Brian Keogh at Valderrama.

Rory McIlroy is bursting with confidence as he guns for major money at Valderrama this week.

 

Glory hunter Padraig Harrington insists that money means nothing as he goes all out for his second Order of Merit title.

Money might be the barometer of success in the modern game but Padraig Harrington will be focussing on the history books rather than the size of his bank balance when he tees it up in the 21st and final edition of the Volvo Masters at Valderrama tomorrow.

Rory McIlroy has taken some pretty big strides in his first full season on the European Tour and if things go to plan at Valderrama he will be stepping out in many of next year’s major events in a natty pair of black suede shoes.

Padraig Harrington could be battling four rivals for the Order of Merit title in next week’s Volvo Masters

Robert Karlsson extended his advantage over Padraig Harrington at the top of the European Tour to almost €300,000 despite a disappointing finish at the Portugal Masters in Vilamoura.

Gutsy Justin Rose left Padraig Harrington with little room for manoeuvre in his bid to retain the Order of Merit after a brilliant comeback from a nightmare start in the Volvo Masters at Valderrama.

Go-getter Graeme McDowell stormed into lead at the Volvo Masters for the second year on the trot.

And after fading to finish 32nd last term, he determined to finish the job at wind-lashed Valderrama this time around.

Revved up Paul McGinley got his motoring running with a super 69 at vicious Valderrama - then set his sights on Ryder Cup points.

Just a day after declaring that he felt like a Formula One car with the wrong set up, the Dubliner grabbed the clubhouse lead in the Volvo Masters and finished the day just a shot behind leader Graeme McDowell.

And he did it in style, coming back from one over par with four to play with a birdie at the 15th and an amazing, eagle two at the 386-yard 16th.

Padraig Harrington has a death wish at Valderrama.

But relax folks, he's only talking about play-off golf.

The Dubliner wants his Order of Merit showdown with Justin Rose to go right down to a sudden-death play-off on Sunday night.

Colin Montgomerie has lashed absentee Ernie Els for missing the Volvo Masters.

But Justin Rose, 27, is simply delighted that the Big Easy is 7,000 miles away at the Singapore Masters.

Paul McGinley could wreck Padraig Harrington's bid to retain the Order of Merit.

Trailing Ernie Els by €217,295, Harrington could have enough to become No 1 again if he shares third place with just one other player.

A three way tie for third would be worth just €206,533 - not be enough to catch Els - and McGinley does not event want to think about the prospect of being the man who costs Harrington his crown.

Formula One fan Paul McGinley believes his game needs a major pit-stop if he is to get back on track with a chance to compete.

The Dubliner, 40, did not automatically qualify for the elite Volvo Masters on merit after his worst season since he turned pro in 1992.

Red-faced European Tour officials will be praying that Padraig Harrington can win the Order of Merit this week.

There will be blushes all round if Ernie Els hangs on to the No 1 spot as he is not in Valderrama but playing for a fat appearance fee in the clashing $4 million Singapore Open.

Iceman Henrik Stenson wants to "steal" the Order of Merit from Padraig Harrington with a Valderrama victory lap.

Stenson is fourth in the Order of Merit, €510,046 behind absentee leader Ernie Els and just €292,751 behind Harrington.

Former European No 1 Ronan Rafferty will be smiling all the way to the bank this week - even if he finishes last at Valderrama.

The beefy Warrenpoint man, 43, will tee it up on tour for the first time in four years thanks to a one-off exemption for former winners in the 20th anniversary staging of the Volvo Masters.

Peter Lawrie is fed up being a nearly man on the European Tour.

The Dubliner, 33, was gutted to miss out on a Volvo Masters spot after poor finish to the Mallorca Classic.

And while his fifth place cheque for €77,400 took his career earnings to €1.92 million, he's wondering when his turn to win will come around.

Padraig Harrington wants to power to Volvo Masters glory - with a set of game improvement irons.

In a shock move, the Dubliner has decided to take the new Wilson Staff Ci7 irons - designed for 10 handicappers - to the toughest course in Europe.

Padraig Harrington will head to Valderrama on a high after holding off Darren Clarke to win the Hassan II Trophy.

The Open champion hit a one over par 74 to finish three clear of Clarke on 12 under par and earn $150,000.

Now Harrington heads to the season-ending Volvo Masters needing to finish third and beat Justin Rose to retain his Order of Merit crown.