Evian water and winds lead to 54-hole event

EVIAN (France) • Bad weather wiped out the first day of the Evian Championship yesterday with the fifth and final Major of the women's season reduced to 54 holes.

The first group had completed eight holes when play was stopped at 10am local time in Evian-les-Bains, France.

Play was abandoned for the day at 2.45pm due to the rain, strong winds and wet-course conditions.

"Nobody even played half a round," stated LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan, noting that 72kmh winds were recorded.

"We have made the decision to scrap today and start afresh tomorrow (Friday).

"Some players will not like it, but I'll take the brunt of that.

"We have tried to get started again today, but everything is so wet that we were worried about safety. We will play 18 holes tomorrow and Saturday, then those that make the cut will play Sunday.

"If we kept to 72 holes, then we are looking at not finishing until Monday or Tuesday, and that is not good for anybody."

World No. 1 Ryu So Yeon was joint leader on two under through five holes when play was stopped.

The South Korean was tied with American Jessica Korda, who had completed eight holes. But it is back to square one - and everyone will start again today.

That may be good news for former world No. 1 Ai Miyazato of Japan, who is playing in her final tournament before her retirement.

The 2009 and 2011 winner was three over after six holes.

Whan added that the forecast weather is for "pretty good playing conditions" for today and tomorrow.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

EVIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

Day 2: Singtel TV Ch115 & StarHub Ch209, 5pm

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on September 15, 2017, with the headline Evian water and winds lead to 54-hole event. Subscribe