McLardy in line for double celebration

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.

McLardy moved to 14 under par, one ahead of England’s Nick Dougherty, with a second successive 65 at Tolcinasco near Milan, and was then told the forecast for possible thunderstorms meant Sunday’s third round will also be its last.