• Tshwane Open

Fisher reels in fifth European Tour title

ESPN staff
March 2, 2014
Ross Fisher won by three shots in South Africa © Getty Images
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Ross Fisher overcame a stuttering start in Sunday's final round to seal to a three-shot victory at the Tshwane Open for his fifth European Tour title and his first since 2010.

Michael Hoey had reduced Fisher's five-shot overnight lead to a single stroke after 11 holes, before he double bogeyed the 12th having found the water with his approach at Copperleaf Golf & Country Estate.

An eagle putt at the 15th from 25 feet then saw Fisher's name all-but engraved on the trophy. He went on to finish 20 under, three clear of Hoey and South African Danie Van Tonder, following pars on the next two holes and a bogey on the last for a closing round of 70.

Fisher, who last won on the European Tour at the Irish Open four years ago, has put himself firmly into contention for Europe's Ryder Cup team at Gleneagles this year after moving up to 16th in the rankings for the tournament. He is set to move up to 52nd in the world rankings.

"I'm thrilled to get over the line," Fisher said. "It was a testing day with the weather conditions and playing with Mike he put up a great challenge for me.

"I set a target of trying to go out there and shoot in the 60s and almost managed to do it. I had a little mishap on the last but I'm just glad to be standing here talking to you as champion."

Fisher also admitted his eagle on the 15th hole settled his remaining nerves. He added: "It's been pretty good to me this week [the 15th].

"There have been a couple of eagles, but that was a big putt there.

"I know I was only a couple ahead. To hit a nice shot there and have a good look at three and to see it drop - I think I went four shots clear with only three to play I knew I could coast in.

"There was a little wobble on a few of those holes and I managed to make a couple of good par saves on 16 and 17.

"It would have been nice to shoot 69 but unfortunately I missed one on the last. I'm not going to complain."

Tshwane Open leaderboard

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