REVIEW: Fisher king of Kent

NCG columnist Ross Fisher blew everyone away in the wind and rain of the European Open to capture his second tour win and move into genuine Ryder Cup contention.

The 27-year-old had never played the course before Thursday's opening round, began with a course-record 63 and finished an enormous seven shots clear of Sergio Garcia.

The Spaniard produced a 66 on a day he described as 'definitely the best putting round I've ever had' but Fisher kept everyone at arm's length with another superb effort.

All week his driving was breathtaking, regularly knocking it over 350 yards and his long putting on the final day was superb. Any early nerves were settled with an eagle three at the 5th and, as the sun finally began to show itself, he closed the round out with three birdies from the 13th including a chip in from sand at the last.

"This is a massive achievement for myself," the Wentworth star explained. "Most of the guys say that the first win is hard, but the second is even harder.

"It was a strange week really. No practice round, a course record, four rounds under 70 in very testing conditions - a phenomenal victory. For some reason I felt a sense of calmness inside. I drove the ball nigh-on perfect all week and told myself to stay patient and believe in my ability."

Fantasy fans of the Englishman pick up 150 points while Garcia and Graeme McDowell pocketed 100 for their top-three finishes.

Open champion Padraig Harrington continues to struggle to find his best form, finishing the four days at two-under and 18 shots behind the champion while Colin Montgomerie failed to capitalise on his opening rounds of 70 and 67 to fall back into a share of 24th spot.