Golf
Fisher takes early lead
2010-07-30 17:25
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Killarney - Britain's Ross Fisher improved his
chances of securing a debut Ryder Cup spot when he grabbed control of
the Irish Open on Friday with a scintillating second round 10-under-par
61.
The 29-year-old broke the Killarney club course record by
three shots as he surged to 12-under 130, three strokes clear of the
field.
Last year's World Matchplay champion also threatened to
record the first 59 on the European Tour as he ran up six successive
birdies from the third hole and four in a row from the 11th.
He fell short of the magic mark, however, after missing chances over the closing holes.
"It was pretty flawless golf," the Englishman told reporters. "After a solid start I caught fire.
"It was a shame the run had to end on the ninth but then I got into
another great patch. I gave myself four good looks at birdies at the
last four holes but didn't make them and had to be satisfied with a 61."
Fisher improved his career-best round by two strokes and provided the platform for his fourth European Tour title.
Victory on Sunday would also move Fisher into Europe's nine automatic
qualifying spots for this year's Ryder Cup, a place he could cement with
good results at the WGC Invitational in Ohio and the U.S. PGA
Championship next month.
"This is the start of three really
important weeks for me with the Ryder Cup coming up," Fisher said. "This
(61) gives me a lot of confidence knowing I can make a lot of birdies."
Fisher's blistering round was the first he has played with new caddie
Phil 'Wobbly' Morbey, who was alongside Ian Woosnam for Ryder Cup
matches and the Welshman's 1991 U.S. Masters victory.
"Wobbly's been on tour for 30 years, he is so experienced and he's giving me so much self-belief," added Fisher.
Italy's Francesco Molinari drew up to second place with a 66.
Molinari, who is hoping brother Edoardo can force his way into Europe's
Ryder Cup team so they can reform their 2009 World Cup winning
partnership, would virtually seal his place in Colin Montgomerie's team
for Celtic Manor with victory in Ireland.
Three-times major
winner Padraig Harrington, just one of Europe's high profile players
still not assured of a Ryder Cup place, carded a 67 to be in a large
group in third place five strokes behind Fisher.
A 68 also put tournament favourite Rory McIlroy in that pack. Darren Clarke (70) is a further stroke back.