Fisher holds slim lead in World Matchplay

Ross Fisher held a one-hole advantage over American Anthony Kim after 18 of their 36-hole World Matchplay Championship final.

In a tight encounter on Sunday, Fisher was able to break clear when Kim bogeyed the 16th hole, but the Englishman, like his opponent trying to win on his debut, failed to extend his advantage by three-putting the 18th.

‘Anthony was the only one to drop a couple of shots, so I was very happy with the way I played,’ Fisher told reporters. ‘But I was disappointed to walk off the 18th not being two up. That would have made it much sweeter.’

Kim felt there was better to come from him in the afternoon.
‘Obviously you want to make a good start but I was being careful not to use up too much energy - especially mental energy,’ he told reporters. ‘I'm looking to hole a few more putts this afternoon.’

A spectacular third and fourth place playoff resulted in a win for Australian Robert Allenby over US Masters champion Angel Cabrera of Argentina at the 19th hole.

Both players were eight-under for 18 holes, with Allenby claiming a hole in one at the third.

Allenby's 18-foot eagle putt from off the green, when the pair played the 18th again, earned the Australian €250,000.