Harrington salutes Irish support in Taiwan

Padraig Harrington found himself in familiar company as he toasted his thrilling one-shot victory in the BMW Asian Open in Taiwan…

Padraig Harrington found himself in familiar company as he toasted his thrilling one-shot victory in the BMW Asian Open in Taiwan.

Minutes after holing a 10-foot putt on the last green to clinch his sixth tour title - his first in Asia - the Ryder Cup star was submerged by a sea of vociferous Irish fans that followed his every move all week.

Harrington had already paid tribute to the cheering throng of green, white and orange that made the lush fairways of the Ta Shee course seem more like home.

He wasted no time after lifting the trophy in surrounding himself with his compatriots, buying them drinks for the night and handing out signed caps, shirts, gloves and practically anything else by way of appreciation.

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"It's amazing but wherever you go in the world there always seems to be Irish people who will come out and support you," Harrington said.

"You can always hear them too and they're a great support to me. They keep you going when you're not doing so well and let you know when you are doing okay".

The win earned Harrington $250,000, sending him straight to the top of the 2003 Order of Merit after what was the first counting event.