Ross still on course to be The Fisher King

7/5/2008

Englishman Ross Fisher tamed both the adverse weather and a formidable 18th hole at The London Golf Club to take a three-stroke lead into the final round of The European Open.

After battling all day with both Graeme McDowell and 25mph gusts over The Heritage Course, the 27 year old from Wentworth Club took full advantage of the Northern Irishman driving into the lake on the last.

The hole brought no fewer than 29 bogeys, five double bogeys and one triple bogey from the 70 players competing in the third round, but Fisher hit a superb drive and then an approach to eight feet.

The birdie that followed - the only one achieved on the 471 yard hole all day - gave him a 69 to add to his course record 63 on Thursday and Friday 68 for a 54 hole total of 200. His relief was obvious.

He and McDowell were level when they both eagled the 548 yard 15th, but McDowell, two ahead after seven holes of the round, then bogeyed the 16th.

Leaderboard – Round 3:

1.  Ross Fisher                         ENG  63 68 69 200 -16
2.  Greame McDowell                NIR   65 67 71 203 -13
3.  David Frost                         SAF  65 72 69 206 -10
4.  Soren Hansen                     DEN  69 67 72 208 - 8
     Michael Jonzon                   SWE  69 68 71 208 - 8
     Paul McGinley                      IRL  69 68 71 208 - 8
7.  Stephen Gallacher               SCO  70 68 71 209 - 7
     Sergio Garcia                       ESP  71 64 71 209 - 7
     Jeev Milkha Singh                IND  68 72 69 209 - 7
10. Ignacio Garrido                    ESP  72 71 67 210 - 6
     Peter Hanson                      SWE  68 71 71 210 - 6
     Rory McIlroy                         NIR  67 71 72 210 - 6
     Colin Montgomerie               SCO  70 67 73 210 - 6

Source: European Tour