Goosen gets personal about 'slow' Harrington

Retief Goosen has criticised Padraig Harrington, his rival for the European Order of Merit title, as "definitely the slowest player on tour". Harrington responded by calling the South African "no boy racer himself".

Goosen is just £34,000 ahead of Harrington entering the last three events of the year, but the importance of being in front takes on a different meaning in the Madrid Open starting today.

While Goosen tees off with Lee Westwood and Soren Hansen, Harrington is just behind with Seve Ballesteros and Andrew Coltart.

"Luckily he is playing just behind me so I can finish," said defending champion Goosen. "He is on the limit every time. He is not getting fined, so he is fast enough. But he is definitely the slowest player on tour."

Harrington was quick in replying though. "When did Retief last play with me?" he said. "That's definitely the pot calling the kettle black I am not a candidate for the quickest, but I've changed my routine."