Thorny issue of rules fails to stop Fisher landing prize

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 he 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 five. 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 celebrated lifting the trophy and £180,000 first prize.

Scotland's 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.

Norway's Suzann Pettersen recorded a resounding nine-stroke victory at the SAS Masters on home soil at Losby Golf Club.

The 26-year-old Solheim Cup star, who is sixth in the Rolex World Rankings, began as the favourite and posted a course record eight-under-par 64 in the first round to take a four-stroke lead in the 54-hole Ladies European Tour event.

Australia's Nikki Garrett, who won the Tenerife and Spanish Ladies Opens in May, finished outright second on three under par after a 71.

Pettersen's playing partner Anja Monke of Germany and Italy's Diana Luna tied for third on one under after they both carded 74.