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Fisher protects European Open lead

Fri 4th, July 2008

Ash, England (Sports Network) - Ross Fisher shot a four-under 68 on Friday to remain in the lead after two rounds at the European Open.

Fisher, who scorched the London Golf Club for a course-record 63 on Thursday, stood at 13-under 131 overall. His two-shot overnight lead was trimmed to one shot by Graeme McDowell, who carded a 67 to move into second place at 12-under 132.

"I just wanted to go out there and prove that it wasn't a fluke," Fisher said, alluding to his 63 in the first round. "Sixty-three is obviously a tremendous score, but I didn't want to rest. I wanted to press on."

Sergio Garcia moved into contention with a eight-under 64 that vaulted him from a tie for 30th place into solo third at nine-under 135, four shots off the lead.

Soren Hansen had a 67 and was alone in fourth place at eight-under 136. He was the only other player within five shots of Fisher.

Defending champion Colin Montgomerie (67) shared fifth place with Ian Poulter (67), Paul McGinley (68), Michael Jonzon (68) and David Frost (72). They are tied at minus-seven.

Fisher had four birdies in his first 10 holes on Friday, but fell into a tie for the lead with McDowell when he bogeyed the 14th. A near-eagle at the 15th led to a tap-in birdie that moved Fisher into the lead again.

He followed that with another bogey at the 16th, momentarily sharing the lead with McDowell again. Fisher then ended his round with a birdie at the 18th hole, his 16th birdie in the first 36 holes.

"To be 13-under for two rounds, I'm pretty delighted," said Fisher.

The 27-year-old Englishman claimed his only European Tour win at the 2007 KLM Open. He was particularly pleased with his closing birdie at No. 18 on Friday, set up by a seven-iron to about five feet.

"I thought 'I want to hole this. I want to be leading heading into the weekend,'" said Fisher. "And fortunately, I did."

McDowell posted six birdies and a bogey in his second round, including three birdies in his last six holes (he started on the back nine). He played with Garcia, who finished strong with an eagle and a birdie on his last two holes.

"It was fantastic to play with him. He's one of the best ball-strikers in the world," said McDowell. "We had a couple of laughs out there. It was a relaxing atmosphere."

Along with Joakim Backstrom (71), their threesome was a combined 14-under par on Friday. Unfortunately for Backstrom, he missed the one-under cut line by five shots.

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