(Sports Network) - Padraig Harrington, the reigning two-time British Open champion, finished off a four-under 66 on Sunday to move into contention at the PGA Championship. Harrington polished off his third-round 66 on Sunday morning at Oakland Hills after play was called for inclement weather on Saturday. The Irishman is in the clubhouse at one-over 211 and is tied with the man he beat in a playoff for his first major last year at Carnoustie, Sergio Garcia.

The European Ryder Cup stalwarts are currently four behind 2003 British Open champion Ben Curtis, who is three-under in his third round. The duo is fifth place.

Heavy rain and storms Saturday led to the suspension of play and softened up a nearly impossible Oakland Hills.

"They are a lot easier, the greens are soft," said Harrington. "Even though the ball is not traveling as it is cold, when you are in position you can fire at all the pins. They were reasonably easy and with soft greens, they are accessible."

Harrington made the turn at one-under for his third round and four-over par overall, but four consecutive birdies from the 13th got him back to even-par for the championship.

At the treacherous closing hole, Harrington could not save par from a bunker. The bogey dropped him to plus-one for the championship, but that should be no problem for Harrington.

In capturing the last two claret jugs, Harrington came from behind in the final round both times. Unfortunately, even though players are going off in threesomes, it doesn't look like Harrington will make it into the final group.

In that scenario, history will be against Harrington. The last 12 PGA champions have come from the final group in the final round.

"I'm four behind at the moment and I would take that, as long as there are not 20 guys between me and three-under," Harrington said. "You don't know what is going to happen in the afternoon.

"I caught six up in the Open in 2007 and as long as there are not too many bodies ahead of you, you can make up quite a big amount in the last round of a major."



Copyright 2008 The Sports Network
All rights reserved