By ,
Published May 02, 2016
Santo Antonio da Serra, Madeira (SportsNetwork.com) - Due to bad weather throughout the week, the Madeira Islands Open was canceled on Sunday after more lengthy delays.
The event was originally reduced to 54 holes after the first round failed to start on Thursday due to heavy winds. More delays from high winds and rain did not allow the first round to finish up until Saturday and the tournament was reduced again, this time to 36 holes.
The final round did not start on Sunday at Santo da Serra Golf Club because of more heavy rain and fog, forcing officials to eventually cancel the tournament.
Results following the first round did not stand because 36 holes have to be completed in order for scores to count.
"The Madeira Islands Open - Portugal - BPI is a hugely important event for the European Tour so it is disappointing for everyone concerned that we have been forced to cancel this week," said Chief Operation Officer of the European Tour Keith Waters. "We share a very strong relationship with the hosts and sponsors, so we are already in discussions with the club and the sponsors to reschedule the event for another week in this year's Race to Dubai schedule."
Joachim B. Hansen held a 1-shot lead at the conclusion of the first round after a 4-under 68. Eight others were within one shot at 3-under 69.
NOTES: This is the second straight year this event has been plagued by poor weather. Play was shortened to 36 holes last season due to heavy fog throughout most of the week ... This is just the third event in European Tour history to be canceled ... The European Tour heads to Morocco next week for the Trophee Hassan II, where Alejandro Canizares cruised to a 5-shot victory last year.
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/weather-cancels-madeira-islands-open