Poor start ends McDowell hopes

Graeme McDowell failed to mount a challenge in the final round

Graeme McDowell's challenge for the European Open ended after he dropped four shots in the opening four holes in Sunday's final round in Kent.

The Portrush player went on to card three birdies but a one-over-par 73 left him third on 12 under and eight shots behind winner Ross Fisher.

However, McDowell has moved back into the last automatic spot in the Ryder Cup standings.

Holywood's Rory McIlroy was tied 10th after a 74 left him on four under.

Dubliners Padraig Harrington (75) and Paul McGinley (78) both ended on two under while Gary Murphy shot a 75 to finish three over.

McDowell started the last round in second place and just three behind Fisher.

But he bogeyed the first and double-bogeyed the third after finding water.

A further shot was dropped at the fourth to push him out of contention although he recovered to claim birdies at the fifth, 12th and 15th.