Harrington & Campbell gain control

Padraig Harrington and Michael Campbell both checked their cards with extra vigilance on Friday evening after both were paired together for the second round of the German Masters.

The two players were involved in the infamous Benson and Hedges disqualification four months ago when Harrington, leading going into the final round, was thrown out of the competition after it was discovered that he had not signed his first round card.

Playing partner Campbell had accidentally signed Harrington's card in the space for the player's signature, confusing the Irishman into thinking he had carried out the correct recording procedure.

However both were determined not to make the same mistake after setting the pace at the half-way stage in Cologne.

New Zealander Campbell's eight-under-par 64, only one off the Gut Larchenhof course record, matched Irishman Harrington's morning 66 for a 12-under-par 132.

That leaves the duo a stroke ahead of Jose Coceres, who shot 67, with Bernhard Langer (67) and Thomas Bjorn (66) a shot further back.

“The last time we played together it was not very good news for Padraig, but it's water under the bridge now and I think tomorrow will be fun,” said Campbell.

“It's put a lot of pressure on me because I played so well that week,” said Harrington after an eagle and four birdies.

“I'm trying to forget it but it's taken me four months to realise I've been trying to live up to that week ever since, trying too hard because of it. It would be easier if I could blank it out of my memory.

“I don't know what a win now would do for me. Perhaps it would be better to focus on winning for the sake of winning, instead of trying to get rid of a bad memory.”

Campbell has an even higher goal though. He currently sits sixth in the Order of Merit after wins in the Johnnie Walker Classic and Heineken Classic, and he is determined to finish higher, with the top spot not out of the question.

“I'm after the order of merit, that's been my motivation for the last six months or so.

“If I can play well here and take my game to the Volvo Masters and World Golf Championship at Valderrama, then I've got a chance of topping off Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke.

“As I've won my European titles in Asia and Australia it would be nice to get one in Europe this year.”

He will have a job overhauling Westwood though. The current European Tour leader shot a second round 66 to move within four of the lead and is threatening to make back-to-back wins after his win in the Belgacom Open last week.

An indifferent back nine hit Colin Montgomerie’s chances although he is just three off the lead after a 68. Defending champion Garcia carded 65 to be five behind the joint leaders

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