The UK's Ross Fischer gave his Ryder Cups hopes a huge boost on Sunday when he won the 3 Irish Open in Killarney.

The 29 year old finished up with an 18-under 266 total, finishing two strokes ahead of Irish golf's posterboy Padraig Harrington, the greatest Irish golfer ever.

For Fischer, this was his fourth European tour victory, and immensely improves his chances of making the cut for the Ryder Cup, which he told reporters was a major goal of his for this year. Today's prize money was €500,000 for first place.

Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano (67) and Chris Wood (68) share third place at 14- under-par 270.

Fischer's victory came after he seemed to be letting up on his form this morning. Six strokes clear during his third round, Fisher fell back from 16 under par to 11 under and was overtaken by Australian Richard Green and home favorite Padraig Harrington.

But then an 18-foot eagle putt on the long seventh and birdies at the ninth and 10th put him firmly back in contention and from there nobody could stop him.

Despite a tense finish with both Harrington and Wood closing in, the Englishman had the ability to take the top prize through some excellent closing golfing.