Fisher wins Irish Open

Overnight leader Ross Fisher has won the 3 Irish Open in Killarney by two shots from Irishman Padraig Harrington.

Fisher shot a six under par round of 65 to finish on -18 overall, two shots ahead of Harrington, who delivered a magnificent performance on the final day in Killarney, shooting a seven under par 64 to finish on a total of -16.

Fisher’s -18 total matched the record set for the tournament by Colin Montgomerie in 2001 and is a significant boost to his hopes of making Montgomerie’s European team for the Ryder Cup in October, with the Englishman climbing to sixth place in the points list.

“It just feels great to come out on top against such a world-class field,’ said Fisher after receiving the trophy and the £415,973 first prize.

“I could hear the roars and knew Padraig was making a charge. I just tried to stay patient and this is what we play for – we want to give ourselves a chance and I am no different.

“I don’t know if I have done enough (to clinch a Ryder Cup debut) yet, but there are two more big weeks coming up and I just want to show Monty I am playing well.”