Padraig Harrington is on track to become the first home winner of the Irish Open in 25 years after a superb 68 at a windswept Adare Manor.

Helped by a decision to cut the rain-hit Italian Open from 72 to 54 holes – for the third time in six years – South African Andrew McLardy could have a first European Tour win to celebrate along with the birth of his first child this month.

South African Andrew McLardy’s hopes of a first European Tour title were given a huge boost today just before he completed a brilliant inward 30 at the Italian Open in Milan.

Another 90 minutes was lost to rain at the Italian Open in Milan this morning.

European Tour officials today took the rare decision to make players play holes twice at the Italian Open in Milan.

European Tour officials today took the rare decision to wipe out holes that had already been played at the Italian Open in Milan.

Less than an hour’s play was possible at the Telecom Italian Open in Milan today before heavy rain forced a delay.

Tom Lehman was given further proof today of the current strength in depth of the European Tour.

It was an eventful morning for Britain’s golfers at the French Open with a disqualification and a withdrawal among the problems.

England’s John Bickerton has revealed that a flash of inspiration on the putting green contributed to his holding the lead after the first round of the French Open.

Sweden’s Joakim Backstrom, whose only European Tour victory came in France, found himself leading the French Open early in the first round.

Irish golfer Graeme McDowell qualified today for next week’s US Open at Winged Foot.

Irish players Pádraig Harrington and Michael Hoey shared the lead at one under par with Ian Poulter and Holland’s Robert-Jan Derksen at the Nissan Irish Open today.

Sweden’s Joakim Backstrom won the Aa St Omer in northern France with a par at the first play-off hole to defeat England's Paul Dwyer.

Overnight European Tour Qualifying School finals leader Wakefield maintained his place at the top with a second successive 69.