Sandstorm halts tee off for half the Qatar field

THERE will be an early start to day two of the Qatar Masters this morning after a desert sandstorm restricted play to just three-and-a-half hours at Doha yesterday.

South African James Kingston, first man out at 6.25am on day one, was leading the field at three under par after 13 holes when visibility was cut to about 100 yards in places and the players were called in off the course.

After a couple of hours it was possible to see far enough, but the wind was gusting up to 38mph and when officials tested the conditions, balls were being blown around on five of the most exposed greens.