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Pod cool on desert hopes

Image: Harrington gets in some practice on Wednesday

Padraig Harrington has admitted his game is not in top shape although he gives himself a realistic chance of winning in Abu Dhabi.

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Garcia dismisses talk of a feud with Dubliner

Three-time major champion Padraig Harrington has admitted his game is not in top shape although he gives himself a realistic chance of winning the Abu Dhabi Championship. The Dubliner will be teeing it up for the first time in 2009 on Thursday as he bids to get his season off to a successful start. "I've set all sorts of goals, some that are very attainable and some that are a bit far out there, but any time I go to an event I really want to win," said the world number three. "I'm here to win and I like the course." Harrington admitted he may have to ease himself into the tournament. "I don't envisage coming out with all guns blazing on Thursday morning and firing at all the pins," added the 37-year-old. "I'll work my way into the event and I'll need a little bit of adjustment to get into it. My target is to shoot a steady score the first day and get better every day." World number two Sergio Garcia has similar sentiments ahead of the first of three events in the Middle East Swing. "It's the start of the year and I feel a little rusty," said the 29-year-old Spaniard. "I definitely don't feel like my game is near where it should be but I'm working on it. "Hopefully by tomorrow morning I can get going. I'm looking forward to getting in a good rhythm and getting some good emotions." As for recent suggestions of a rift between him and his Ryder Cup teammate Harrington, Garcia insisted: "Padraig and I get along fine, though we are not the closest of friends. "I have guys I get along with better on tour, like Camilo Villegas and Luke Donald, but there's nothing more to it than that. "Like I've said before there are guys you connect with more than others."

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