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.

A violent thunderstorm in the early hours of yesterday Friday morning left parts of the Olgiata course on the outskirts of Rome under water.

Greenkeepers were able to remove the majority of the excess water from bunkers and greens, but thunder continued to rumble overhead and there was no chance of play with the threat of lightning in the area.

Tournament director Miguel Vidaor revealed the event would now be contested over three rounds.

‘‘The weather front was rotating around the area of the golf course and although there was not as much lightning in the afternoon as this morning, there was enough so safety would be compromised,’’ Vidaor said.

The 1.1million event is the final chance for players to climb into the top 115 on the Order of Merit and secure their card for next season, and reducing it to 54 holes will be a mixture of good and bad news for those trying to scramble to safety.

Ian Poulter has a three-shot lead over Miles Tunnicliff and Denmark’s Anders Hansen after a sparkling opening round of 61 on Thursday.