Joburg Open shortened to 54 holes after further weather disruption

With the weather still not improving, organisers have taken the decision to shorten the Joburg Open by 18 holes.

The Joburg Open has been reduced to a 54-hole tournament after adverse weather once more played havoc with the schedule in South Africa.

Following the heavy rain which brought a premature end to round one, poor light also ensured an early finish to Friday's play.

Overnight leader Paul Waring managed to finish the last six holes of his second round on Saturday and is 11 under par for the tournament, and he was joined atop the leaderboard by home favourite Darren Fichardt.

South African duo Dean Burmester and Jacques Kruyswijk are one stroke adrift, while a cluster of six players are tied for fifth on nine under.

However, with the third round in its early stage, play was suspended due to thunder and lightning and, with the heavens showing no signs of relenting, a decision was taken to call it a day.

With time against the organisers to finish the tournament, a decision was made to shorten the event by 18 holes.