Father to be Fisher still walking title tightrope

By Mark Lamport-Stokes

TURNBERRY, Scotland (Reuters) - Ross Fisher maintained his delicate balancing act between impending fatherhood and a maiden major title by shooting a two-under-par 68 in Friday's second round at the British Open.

The 28-year-old Englishman signed off with a flourish on Turnberry's Ailsa Course, birdies on three of the last four holes giving him a three-under total of 137.

However, Fisher's wife Joanne was due to give birth to the couple's first child three days ago and he intends to withdraw from the Open once she goes into labour.

"Obviously I'm thinking about Jo and how she is," the world number 21 told reporters after recording five birdies and three bogeys in windy conditions. "At the same time I'm here to do a job until I receive a phone call or any information.

"I'm trying to put it to the back of my mind and concentrate on golf but as soon as I've finished on the golf course golf is out the window and I'll be straight on the phone to Jo."

Double European Tour winner Fisher, making his third Open appearance, has instructed his manager to alert him on the course as soon as his wife's situation changes.

"I'd love to be here for all four days but obviously my wife comes first," he said.

"If she were to go into labour later this evening or tomorrow, I've got no choice. I want to be there. It's going to be a great experience and one I don't want to miss."