Fisher takes European Open lead

FIRST ROUND LEADERBOARD: GB & Irl unless stated -9 R Fisher - 7 G McDowell, D Frost -5 R McIlroy Selected others: -3 P McGinley, J Rose -2 C Montgomerie Level P Harrington Fisher's nine under was the lowest round of his European Tour career England's Ross Fisher hit a course record nine-under-par 63 in the opening round of the European Open to take a two-shot lead at The London Club. In windy conditions, the 27-year-old finished with six successive birdies to break Seve Ballesteros' course record. Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell and 48-year-old South African David Frost are two behind on seven under. Defending champion Colin Montgomerie shot 70 while Padraig Harrington was on level par despite having a stiff neck. "I would not have played this week if I had been truly injured, but it takes a long time to get the freedom... [read full story]