ENGLAND’S Ross Fisher completed a memorable marathon effort by beating American Ryder Cup player Anthony Kim to become Volvo World Matchplay champion in Spain yesterday.

The 28-year-old, with high hopes of making his own Ryder Cup debut in Wales next October, won the final 4&3 after playing an amazing 126 holes in four days.

Ian Poulter had it easy in Singapore by comparison.

He was required to play only 72.

Fisher’s success stopped Kim, 24, eclipsing Seve Ballesteros as the prestigious event’s youngest winner.

It also means, while the tournament has now left Wentworth after being staged there from 1964 until two years ago, the trophy is going straight back.

Fisher, a member at the Surrey club since his boyhood days, is up to a career- best 17th in the world, only hours after Poulter’s one-shot win took him to a best-ever 15th.

Earning a cheque for nearly £676,000 also takes last year’s European Open champion to fourth on this season’s Order of Merit and he could go top by winning the HSBC Champions in Shanghai next Sunday.

‘‘I’m absolutely ecstatic,’’ he said. ‘‘It’s been a long, gruelling week, but very worthwhile.

‘‘The only thing that’s been missing this year was a win. I feel I’ve been very consistent and to be the leading guy in the majors (in terms of shots taken) shows my golf has been very good.’’ He went close to winning the US Open then led the Open early on the final day.

He beat Angel Cabrera at the third extra hole in the semi-final and was never behind in the final from the moment he birdied the first.

‘‘I think this format suits me,’’ he continued.