ASH (Reuters) - Ross Fisher seemed to be cruising to victory midway through the European Open final round on Sunday.

The 27-year-old sprinted to 17-under-par after nine holes on a wet and windy day at the London Club, six shots clear of his nearest rivals.

Fisher, who has led the tournament since firing a course record, nine-under-par 63 in the opening round, reached the turn in 35.

The highlight for the Englishman came at the long fifth where he rammed in a 60-foot putt for an eagle three.

World number eight Sergio Garcia was of the few players making significant inroads on par on a miserable day for scoring.

The Spaniard defied the elements with four birdies in a six-hole stretch to progress to 11-under through 11 holes, the same mark as 48-year-old South African David Frost who had played nine.

In fourth spot on 10-under was Fisher's fellow Briton, playing partner Graeme McDowell who had four fives in an outward half of 39 which included a double bogey at the par-three third where his tee shot finished in the water.

A dank, grey autumnal day featured few low scores, with British pair Simon Dyson (68) and Jamie Donaldson (68) the only players to break 70 with around half the field having completed their rounds.

The day's worst round belonged to twice European Tour winner Richard Green of Australia, who ballooned to an 83 for 297, nine-over-par.

(Editing by Justin Palmer)