Water torture: US make late charge as rain delay wrecks Monty's game plan

By DEREK LAWRENSON


Brolly poor show: Europe captain Colin Montgomerie struggles to hold on as he battles the elements


Weather chaos at the Ryder Cup has forced the first format change in more than 40 years in a bid to avoid a dreaded Monday finish.

More than seven hours of play were lost due to incessant rain at Celtic Manor yesterday and organisers have decided to reduce the number of series played from five to four.


Although the Ryder Cup will still be decided over 28 points, the change means that every player is now guarenteed at least three matches. Once the first series of four fourballs are completed this morning, six foursomes will be played, followed by two foursomes and four fourballs

Weather permitting, it is hoped the competition will be back on schedule by mid-morning tomorrow and the 12 singles can go ahead as planned.

After seeing his side finish the day down in two matches and ahead in only one, Monty backed his players to use the new format to their advantage.

'Given the strength of my side I found it very difficult having to leave four players out anyway, so I'm happy with the change,' he said.


Rain, rain, go away: The 18th fairway is criss-crossed with tracks of water


It would have been even worse for Europe had Ian Poulter not holed a monster putt on the 10th hole as darkness fell, so that he and Ross Fisher finished their match against Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker all square with eight to play.

'What a roar went up when that putt went in but that's Ian for you, he's given us a huge boost and hopefully a bit of that will carry over into the morning,' said Monty.

The Americans had been down in three matches and up in one when play was stopped for seven hours at 9.45am. Their spirited fightback took the heat off what had happened earlier, when they were reduced to a laughing stock.

Two hours' play in the morning rain was enough for the visitors to discover their waterproofs didn't repel water and their golf bags leaked.


Standing room only: The flooded spectator area of the 18th fairway after heavy rainfall


Embarrassed PGA of America officials were forced to go to the merchandise tent and buy proper waterproof gear for 24 players and caddies at £350 each.

Paul Azinger, US captain last time, labelled it a 'disaster' but at least accident-prone American skipper Corey Pavin, who forgot to mention Stewart Cink when introducing his team to the crowd at the opening ceremony on Thursday, could not be blamed.

This time it was his colourful wife Lisa, referred to as the captainess by her husband, who was presumably culpable, since she was in charge of the team's wardrobe..


Water tight: Monty and Poulter










source: dailymail