14 Nov 2011

Thunderstorms disrupt Singapore Open

7:29 am on 14 November 2011

A sudden-death play-off for the Singapore Open's $US 1 million ($NZ 1.27 million) first prize was postponed until today after being twice interrupted by thunderstorms.

Filipino Juvic Pagunsan and Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano had both teed off on the first play-off hole before being called off for a 90-minute suspension, which ended yesterday evening.

But after workmen with mops had frantically swept the fairways, the players managed just one more shot each before a loud thunderclap and further rain brought another sudden halt to proceedings.

After a heavy downpour, officials announced that play had been cancelled for the day and would resume on Monday.

The Singapore Open is notorious for rain delays and the tournament had already been shortened from 72 to 54 holes after most play was washed out on Saturday.