VOLVO MASTERS:Pádraig Harrington dug deep to keep hopes of a second Order of Merit crown in three years alive as he turned in a superb 32 to climb to two-over and joint 18th before rain cut short the third round of the Volvo Masters at Valderrama.

The Dubliner had earlier posted a second round of level-par 71, before birdies at the fourth, sixth and eight of his third round moved him up the leaderboard.

He can finish in the top two and overtake leader Robert Karlsson, although his biggest danger seems to be Lee Westwood, who lies in third spot, one shot behind leaders Sergio Garcia and Soren Kjeldsen on five-under.

Harrington wasn't happy that players had to wait around after officials decided to wait until everybody had played 36 holes and then sent them out in again in three-balls off the first and 10th tees.

Harrington had waited from 10am until after 2pm to start his third round and commented: "I can't understand why they wasted four hours."

Westwood, who ended Colin Montgomerie's seven-year reign as number one in 2000, played the last 11 holes in six-under par to climb into a tie for second place only two behind Kjeldsen.

And that became only one behind in the six holes of his third round which were possible before another downpour suspended play again.

If Westwood wins the tournament tomorrow - the weather will dictate whether it is decided over three or four rounds ¬- Karlsson will have to be second or third to retain top spot on the money list.

But after 11 holes of his round the Swede was down in a share of 28th spot on five-over.

Darren Clarke leads the Irish challenge on one-under after seven holes of his third round, with fellow Ulsterman Graeme McDowell one shot further back after eight.

Rory McIlroy is eight-over with two holes to play, the same mark as Damien McGrane, who has seven holes left to play.

Peter Lawrie is 12-over after eight, while former winner Paul McGinley is 15-over, also after eight.