FISHER HAS TO ENDURE LENGTHY RULES
INVESTIGATION BEFORE HE IS
CONFIRMED AS KLM OPEN WINNER

FROM THE A O L SPORTS NEWS SERVICE

England's Ross Fisher survived a nerve-wracking finish and a lengthy rules investigation before claiming his first European Tour title in extraordinary fashion in the KLM Open in Zandvoort.
Fisher saw a four-shot lead disappear over the closing stretch before regaining his composure to birdie the last from 10 feet and seemingly secure a one-shot victory over local favourite Joost Luiten.
However, before Fisher could sign his card he was informed of a potential rules violation on the 12th hole and driven off in a buggy to investigate. The debate centred on whether Fisher had moved a bramble from near his ball before playing his second shot to the par-5 hole.
The 26-year-old initially thought it was a loose impediment which he could move, but discovered it was still attached to the ground.
Tour officials Miguel Vidaor and Jose Maria Zamora accompanied Fisher as they tried to recreate the incident and study television footage to see whether he had improved his lie.
Eventually Fisher was cleared of any wrongdoing and could celebrate lifting the trophy and £180,000 first prize.
Alastair Forsyth, Germany's Bernhard Langer, Swede Alexander Noren, France's Thomas Levet and New Zealand's Steve Alker shared third place on eight under.
Overnight joint leader David Carter slumped to a closing 75 for a share of 23rd place.