Harrington to forget past heroics

Padraig Harrington is determined not to let expectation become a burden when he kicks off the defence of his Open title this week.

The 36-year-old Dubliner lifted the Claret Jug at Carnoustie last year after beating Sergio Garcia in a four-hole play-off to become the first European since Paul Lawrie in 1999 to win a major title.

And his preparations for Royal Birkdale were given the perfect boost when he successfully defended his Irish PGA title on Saturday.

However, he is determined not to let his success of 2007 cloud his thoughts this time around and says he will try and the play the Open as if it were any other tournament.

"I know it's great to turn around and say you finished top 10 the following year - it's a good defence - but I believe that you have to try and separate the two in order to have a good week," Harrington said.

"You have to go there with a clean slate and play the 2008 Open at Birkdale for the sake of that event.

"I'm not denying that it wouldn't mean more to me at The Open this year, but I do have to make the effort to make it feel just like a regular event.

"My performance this year has no reflection on my performance of 2007 and I've got to create that atmosphere for myself. There's no point in me going in trying to burden myself with the expectations."