Harrington applies an ice pack
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Padraig Harrington has given himself a "75 percent" chance of beginning the defence of his Open title after abandoning two attempts to play a practice round at Royal Birkdale on Wednesday.
The Irishman, who has been nursing an injury to his right wrist since last Saturday night, also believes he has only a 50-50 chance of completing all 72 holes of his title defence.
"Yesterday I was fully sure I would play and was just worried I would inflame it," he said. "Today I am not so fully sure I will play.
"The plan is to go to the range (he is due off in Thursday's ninth group at 7.58am) and see what it's like."
American Heath Slocum would replace Harrington if he becomes the first Open champion not to defend his title since Ben Hogan back in 1954.
After thinking the wrist was recovering, Harrington went to the 10th tee - he played the first nine holes on Tuesday, albeit without hitting any shots out of the rough as a precaution - but felt pain on only his second shot.
He immediately went to have it examined and returned with an ice pack but, on teeing off again, the pain remained.
Harrington then simply walked the course and limited himself to some chipping and putting - and he did not even do that on every green.
Medical woes
The build up to the 137th Championship has been dominated by the medical woes currently being experienced by the world's top players, with world number one Tiger Woods and England's Luke Donald both out with injuries.
"The decision will be mine," added Harrington. "I cannot say anything at the moment other than I will be making a strenuous effort.
"I will be apprehensive about hitting any shot. I'll certainly be apprehensive about hitting out of the rough."
Harrington remains determined to defend his title but, with the Ryder Cup only two months away, he also knows that he cannot afford to risk long-term damage.
Europe could already be without Donald, who has not played since injuring his wrist at the US Open a month ago, while the Americans are missing Woods following knee surgery.
On whether the Ryder Cup is a worry, Harrington insisted: "I don't think that's an issue. I have a week off next week that will help it."
Harrington was happy at first when he saw he was out early in the first round but that could now work against him in two respects.
As well as there being less time for more treatment, the weather forecast also predict strong winds and showers for Thursday morning.
"I'd prefer it if I was playing at four o'clock now," he said.
