Dagger Blagger by dailyrecord.co.uk

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/golf-news/2007/10/29/dagger-blagger-86908-20024334/

Oct 29 2007 By Bernie Mcguire

Golf Latest... Sharp Paddy Eyes Euro Glory Bid

PADRAIG HARRINGTON last night won a ceremonial gold dagger to aid his bid for European Tour glory after capturing the Hassan II Trophy in Morocco.

Harrington, right, shot a nervous one-over 74 in the final round to secure a career-best fourth victory of the season and his first in Africa.

The Open champion picked up a cheque for £75,000 and was presented with a gold dagger after finishing three shots clear of Darren Clarke on 12-under 280.

Harrington, who led by six going into the final round, heads for Valderrama in Spain in top form as he bids to retain his European No.1 crown at this week's end-of-season Volvo Masters.

The Irishman said: "I was relieved to win. When you're six ahead it's hard to stay positive. You're not as focused as you would want to be.

"But I was spurred on a bit when my lead dropped to two and played a great shot into 12. And apart from a poor shot at 16 I played good golf over the final seven holes.

"Whoever manages to finish in the top three in Valderrama out of Justin Rose and myself will be European No.1.

"But it's nice to be added to the list of winners of this event and I'm really pleased to win in Africa for the first time."

Scotland's Sandy Lyle finished tied sixth on three-under with fellow former US Masters champion Mark O'Meara.

Lyle recorded his second eagle in four days when he holed out at the par-five 12th in his final round of 72.

Scott Drummond birdied the last two holes to make amends for two double bogeys and three bogeys in his round of 78 for a share of 17th on four over.