ZCZC
BSP-09
MAS-GOLF-OPEN
Stormy weather halts Malaysia Open golf
KUALA LUMPUR, March 7, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – The third round of the Malaysia
Open golf tournament was halted Saturday due to stormy weather and postponed
to the following day, with Australia’s Andrew Dodt retaining his lead.
Sunday will remain the final day of the competition despite the delay,
meaning the event has been reduced to 54 holes instead of the usual 72.
Storms have repeatedly interrupted play this week and on Saturday the
action was abandoned even before the whole field could tee off.
“As a result of the delays and disruptions we have suffered, we have taken
the decision to reduce the tournament to 54 holes,” said Asian Tour director
Fritz Katzengruber.
As it stands, Dodt has a two-day total of 13-under-par 131, holding a one-
shot lead over China’s Liu Yanwei.
American duo Jarin Todd and Trevor Simsby are trailing the leader by two
shots.
Dodt, who fired 63 and 68 in the first two rounds, is seeking his fourth
Asian Tour title.
The $1 million tournament is making a return following a four-year
absence, even as many sporting events are cancelled worldwide due to the
coronavirus outbreak.
Organisers have put in place precautionary measures including temperature
checks for players and spectators.
BSS/AFP/MSY/1656 hrs