Harrington wins Hong Kong Open

HONG KONG, Dec. 7 (UPI) -- Padraig Harrington opened the 2004 European Tour season Sunday with a last-hole victory at the Hong Kong Open.

The Irishman needed to birdie his last two holes after South African Hennie Otto charged past him with a 7-under-par 63 and posted the clubhouse target at 10-under 270.

Harrington almost blew it on the 16th, but he saved par, regained his composure and birdied the par-4 17th to set up a thrilling finale.

Going to the final tee tied with Otto, Harrington played a shot down the middle, an approach over water to 20 feet, then delighted the galleries at the Hong Kong Golf Club by sinking the winning putt to complete a 66.

Harrington took the title by one stroke over Otto, who finished three shots clear of defending champion Fredrik Jacobson of Sweden, England's Chris Gane, Darren Clarke of Northern Ireland and Thomas Bjorn of Denmark.