LONDON : Ross Fisher remained on course for victory at the European Open as he stayed at the head of the field after Saturday's third round.

The Englishman, who shot a course record first round 63 at the London Club course in Kent, south-east England, birdied the 18th hole for the second day in a row.

And with Graeme McDowell, his nearest challenger, going into the water at the last, that left Fisher with a three-stroke lead heading into Sunday's final round.

"It's a great finishing hole from a spectator's point of view, but a bit of a pain from a player's point of view," Fisher said of the last.

"When I hit my drive I was just thinking 'please carry the water, carry the water' and you could probably see the huge relief.

"I think mine may have caused Graeme to take a more aggressive line."

Fisher's 69 left him on 16 under par.

McDowell was level with his playing partner before bogeying the 16th but the Northern Irish golfer, three shots ahead of third-placed David Frost, the veteran South African, said: "We had a lot of fun out there, but obviously I'm disappointed with my finish.

"Ross kind of pull-hooked his drive and I proceeded to do the same. I'm not quite as long as him and didn't get away with it."

McDowell, who lies 11th on the Ryder Cup table, added: "I realise the outcomes of potential finishes tomorrow, but this is not the last chance saloon for me this weekend.

"There will be enough pressure on me without overly thinking about that."

Sergio Garcia was well-placed after two rounds but his two over par 74 on Sunday left the Spaniard nine shots adrift of Fisher in a group including India's Jeev Milkha Singh.

Defending champion Colin Montgomerie, who won this title at the K Club in Ireland last year, was a shot further back.

- AFP /ls