SOUTHPORT, England (AFP) - Padraig Harrington of Ireland won the British Open at Royal Birkdale on Sunday.

He shot a final round of 69 for a three-over total of 283 and a four stroke margin over runner-up Ian Poulter who also closed with a 69.

Harrington successfully defended the title he won in a four-hole playoff against Sergio Garcia at Carnoustie last year when he was the first Irishman to lift the Old Claret Jug in 40 years.

The 53-year-old Greg Norman of Australia finished tied for third with Henrik Stenson of Sweden, six strokes behind Harrington after a final round of 77. Stenson fired a 71