Harrington back in contention with 64

Padraig Harrington's view that he had "turned the corner" on an ailing game charged back into contention in the German Masters on Saturday.

Shrugging off right shoulder pain, Harrington shot a third round eight-under-par 64 to move from a tie for 15th to second overall and within three strokes of the leader, Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell.

McDowell, who carded 64 in the second round, dropped two late shots in a 69 to sit on 14-under-par 202, with Ireland's Harrington a stroke ahead of France's Raphael Jacquelin.

"My little poor patch has been a good experience in a way because I've turned the corner this week," said Harrington after coming into the last tournament before next week's Ryder Cup with three weeks of indifferent results behind him.

"I've found a couple of keys to getting my game back in shape this week that have helped me manoeuvre the ball better."

Harrington, who spent four hours practicing after his round of 75 on Friday, recorded an eagle, a pitch-in from 122 yards, and six birdies on a flawless card.

The practice session on Friday, however, resulted in a shoulder strain, an injury that caused him to take three weeks' break earlier this year though he insisted he would be okay for next week's Ryder Cup clash with the U.S.

"I pushed a little too far and the shoulder's tight but it hasn't gone into my neck this time, which gives me a real problem. It's not interfering with my swing, though, and physiotherapy will put it right."

McDowell, looking to add to his Italian Open win earlier in the year, was happy with his position.

"If somebody had offered me a three-shot lead this morning I would have broken their arm off for it," said the 25-year-old.

"I'm glad I've kept my nose in front of Padraig and if I keep playing the way I'm playing, he's going to have to shoot low to catch me."

Harrington's Ryder Cup team mate Paul Casey of Britain also stormed into contention with a run of five birdies and an eagle in six holes after the turn to shoot a 67 and move into fourth.

"All the pressure came off me when I qualified for the team and now I'm relaxed, trying to win another tournament," said Casey. "I think next week, though, it will need a balance of pressure and relaxation to perform."

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