Fisher back on top at Wales Open

Ross Fisher reignited his dream of playing in the Ryder Cup at the scene of his debut in the tournament two years ago as the Englishman took the halfway in the Wales Open at Celtic Manor on Friday. The 31-year-old shot a five-under par 66 to lead after two rounds and, although he's dropped 130 places on the world rankings since playing in the Ryder Cup, he hasn't given up hope of representing Europe against the United States at the Medinah Club, near Chicago, in September. "Hopefully this will be the start of a big summer for me," said Fisher. "I guess it's the dreaded curse of the comedown from the Ryder Cup. You have such high expectations and it's been disappointing. "Once you've played one you don't want to miss one. It's still a goal of mine, but it's a big outside goal at the moment because I've got to play damn well to get on that team. "I made an equipment change this year - I just felt the time was right - and it's probably taken me longer to adjust than I would have liked. "But if I can play how I've played the first two days, especially today, I feel like I'm really tough to beat. "It's always nice to come back to a good hunting ground. The Ryder Cup was a great experience -- I played really well and really enjoyed it." First round leader Lee Slattery, who is US Open-bound after qualifying on Monday, added a 71 to his opening 67. "The swing certainly didn't feel as good," Fisher's compatriot said. "It was one of those battling days. I just managed to compose my thoughts and that's why we do psychology. "I had a break from it and it was probably a mistake. I felt I knew everything -- as golfers do. We're quite stubborn and selfish." Meanwhile Scotland's Paul Lawrie, second in the cup standings after his runners-up finish in the BMW PGA Championship last Sunday, qualified for the weekend on one over as did Europe's 2010 Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie on four over.