Britain's Ross Fisher, bidding to become the tour's second wire-to-wire winner in as many weeks, marched three strokes clear after the European Open third round. Overnight leader Fisher made a faltering start in 50kmp wind. He and playing partner Graeme McDowell matched each other shot for shot on the back nine, both men eagling the par-five 15th. But McDowell let in his fellow Briton by bogeying the 16th and 18th, his last-hole error coming after he drove into water, to finish with a 71 for 203. Fisher ensured there was a two-shot swing at the closing hole, arrowing his approach to within six feet of the flag and sinking his birdie putt to complete a three-under 69 and a 16-under total of 200. South African David Frost belied his 48 years by shooting a 69 for 206. In joint fourth spot on 208 were Swede Michael Jonzon, Paul McGinley of Ireland and Dane Soren Hansen. World number eight Sergio Garcia's title hopes nosedived after a shank at the 13th, caused when he was distracted by a photographer, led to a disappointing 74 for 209. Champion Colin Montgomerie also left the final green in disgruntled mood after three consecutive bogeys at the 16th, 17th and 18th gave him a 73 for 210. Justin Rose limped home in 41 for a 77 and 219. Pernice, Overton share lead In Maryland, American Tom Pernice shot a sizzling seven-under-par 63 to seize a share of the lead with compatriot Jeff Overton after the second round of the AT&T National at Congressional Country Club Friday. Despite battling a bothersome hip injury, the 48-year-old Pernice had eight birdies and one bogey on the challenging 7,255-yard, par 70 course that will host the 2011 US Open. Pernice's 63 put him level with Overton at nine-under 131 with 36 holes to play. The duo were three shots clear of their closest challengers, Americans Anthony Kim and Cliff Kresge. The 25-year-old Overton shot a bogey-free 65 to complement Thursday's opening round 66 and put himself in position to win his first championship. Steve Stricker was one-over after the opening round but shot a 64 to jump into a seven-way tie for fifth at five-under 135. Holder K.J. Choi shot a 71 and was at one-under 139, while US Open runner-up Rocco Mediate carded 68 but was one-over at 141. Steve Marino shot a 70 and was among the seven players tied for fifth.
