PADRAIG HARRINGTON'S one-under-par 71 led the Irish challenge in the Johnnie Walker Classic at Hope Island, Australia, yesterday, as the European Tour kicked off its new season - and resumed the race for precious Ryder Cup points.

The Stackstown player cheered himself with a fine finish of two birdies in the last three holes. But it was a day when he and his four countrymen knew they could have done better. Harrington nearly lost a ball just after the turn due to "lack of confidence standing over the ball on the tee", having had an edgy first nine.

This left Harrington four adrift of four largely unknown leaders - England's David Carter, two Australians, Anthony Painter and Steve Conran and an Indian Arjun Atwal.

Darren Clarke collected five birdies, but spoiled it with five bogeys by hitting some wayward approaches and running up a three-putt in a 72. "I turned a 69 into a 72," said Clarke, "but it's all down to being a bit ring-rusty. It's disappointing but I can get it right quickly.

Paul McGinley blamed a "cold putter" for his 73. It was hot enough when he started, holing a 20-foot putt to launch his bid with a birdie at the opening hole. That was it for the day, though, and two bogeys kept him in debit to par.

Raymond Burns erred twice late in each nine to card a 75, but it was a day Ronan Rafferty will want to forget as he slumped to a 76.

Thus it is Harrington who carries Ireland's flag in the second round, equalling his playing-partner Vijay Singh's score and only one behind his other companion Frank Nobilo.