Golf: Storms threaten McIlroy money bid

Thunderstorms throw $6 million Singapore Open into chaos yesterday and threaten McIlroy’s bid to seal European title.

SINGAPORE: Tropical thunderstorms threw the $6 million Barclays Singapore Open into chaos yesterday and threatened Rory McIlroy’s bid to seal the European money title this weekend.

Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat and Simon Dyson held the joint lead midway through their second rounds, with half the field yet to take the course and more rain forecast for the weekend. Organisers said more delays could force them to slash the event from 72 to 54 holes or to complete the fourth round on Monday.

“At present, our aim is still to complete 72 holes, weather permitting,” said tournament director Jose Maria Zamora. However, reducing the tournament could be inconvenient for world number one McIlroy, who was tied for 29th after 12 holes of his second round and needing a high finish to confirm himself as Europe’s top prize money-winner this year.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 10^th, 2012.