Storm rains down on Harrington’s hopes

THE Italian Open has been reduced to 54 holes after no play at all was possible yesterday.

The reduction badly affects Pádraig Harrington’s chances of overtaking Retief Goosen at the top of the Order of Merit ahead of next week’s decisive Volvo Masters.

Harrington needs to finish in the top four to overhaul the South African, but could only card a one under par 71 in the first round.