Play called off at Augusta national

AUGUSTA, Georgia - Play was suspended for the day in the second round of the weather-hit US Masters on Friday following the threat of thunderstorms and lightning.

Organisers said play would resume at 0800 local (midnight NZT) on Saturday, with 15 players yet to tee off in round two.

Although this is the third time in the last four years second-round play at Augusta National has spilled over into the Saturday, the weekend forecast is favourable with mainly dry conditions expected.

American Ryder Cup player Chris DiMarco held a one-shot lead after the thunderstorm-delayed opening round was completed earlier on Friday, carding a five-under-par 67.

World No 1 Vijay Singh and Masters debutant Luke Donald of Britain were tied for second on 68 with defending champion Phil Mickelson a further two strokes back in a share of sixth place.

Britain's David Howell, another Ryder Cup player and Masters debutant, was the early pacesetter in round two, having birdied five of his first seven holes to get to five under for the tournament.

The start of the 69th Masters, the ninth tournament out of 15 to be hit by the weather on this season's PGA Tour, was delayed by 5-1/2 hours on Thursday because of early morning thunderstorms and lightning.

Rain has intervened at the last three Masters, including a complete washout on the scheduled opening day in 2003.

Six of the last seven editions have been hit by rain, although a Monday finish has not been needed at Augusta National since 1983, when Spaniard Seve Ballesteros won his second title in four years.

Masters rules chairman Will Nicholson said this week that the policy was to play 72 holes "no matter how long it takes".

"The winner will finish after 72 holes," he said. "Well I guess you could say 72 holes and beyond if there's a playoff."

- REUTERS