England's Carter remained on top after three rounds in Zandvoort

Englishmen David Carter and Ross Fisher enjoyed a share of the lead with one round left in the KLM Dutch Open.

The pair carded 71 and 68 respectively to join Kiwi Steve Alker on nine under, two clear of David Higgins, Thomas Levet, Joost Luiten and Phillip Price.

Scots Paul Lawrie and Stephen Gallacher and England's John Bickerton were in a group at seven under.

Former European Ryder Cup captain Bernhard Langer, who turns 50 on Monday, lies four shots adrift.

The German, who carded 67, is looking to become the European Tour's oldest winner by claiming his 43rd tour title.

Tiger Woods makes it look so easy but this is what it's really like for us mere mortals David Carter

The 35-year-old Carter led by two overnight and looked set to remain clear with birdies on the 16th and 17th before bogeying the 18th for a one-over 71 to drop back into the tie.

"It was a bit nerve-wracking for a period because the wind was in a totally different direction to the first three days," said Carter, who won the Irish Open and World Cup in 1998.

"The golf was not that pretty at times but that's also part of the fun. Tiger Woods makes it look so easy but this is what it's really like for us mere mortals, especially when you haven't won for a while.

"But I think I will take a lot of positives from today. Not many people on that leaderboard have won on the European Tour so hopefully I can use a little bit of the experience that I've had."

Fisher, who was sharing the lead in the Tour's flagship event, the PGA Championship at Wentworth in May with a round to go, is chasing his first title in his second year on Tour.

The 26-year-old collapsed with a final-round 84 to finish in a tie for 39th over the West Course.

"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous because it's my home club and I've watched countless tournaments there," he said.

I know I'm ready to win and I will win somewhere down the line Ross Fisher

"To be leading the event was pretty overwhelming and it obviously put some extra pressure on me. It was one of those days where everything I tried didn't come off but I had to suck it up because I had a lot of friends and family watching."

He also had a chance to win the Dubai Desert Classic in early February but, playing alongside world number one Tiger Woods, had to settle for fifth place.

"Dubai was an amazing experience," said Fisher. "Shooting two 65s and playing with Ernie (Els) on the Saturday and Tiger on Sunday.

"A lot of guys wait their whole careers to do that and this is only my second year on tour.

"Wentworth was fantastic for three days and disastrous for one day. I know I'm ready to win and I will win somewhere down the line."

Alker, languishing 184th on the European money list, needs a big finish to rid himself of any worries over retaining his card for next season.