ASCOT-born golfer Ross Fisher put in a solid first round at the Celtic Manor Welsh Open yesterday (Thursday) to keep himself in contention for his first professional win.

The 26-year-old Wentworth golfer shot a level-par round of 69 to leave him well positioned to make the cut.

Fisher, who has been a member at Wentworth since 1994, is currently four shots off the lead with three rounds to play.

Former Open winner Paul Lawrie heads a list of nine golfers leading the competition on four-under.

Fisher's solid showing in Wales yesterday came just four days after a disappointing finish to the BMW PGA Championship on his home course.

The Ascot boy spectacularly led the world-class field after three days. Excellent rounds of 70, 67 and 69 moved him to 10-under-par on Saturday, before he dropped down the leaderboard on the final day.