Sweden's Sebastian Sِderberg plays a shot during the second round of China Open Golf tournament in Shenzhen, in southern China's Guangdong province on May 3, 2024. (Photo by AFP)
Shenzhen: The third round of the China Open was canceled Saturday because of thunder and lightning.
The European Tour announced it will now be a 54-hole event, with Sunday’s final round being played in a two-tee, three-ball format starting at 8am local time.
Sebastian Soderberg of Sweden leads on 16 under par and holds a three-shot advantage over Paul Waring of England at Hidden Grace Golf Club.
Soderberg did not hit a shot on Saturday.
Only two groups got underway before play was initially suspended at 8:18am local time because of the dangerous situation caused by lightning in the area.
The weather did not improve and it was announced at 2:11pm local time that the third round had been canceled.
The No. 98-ranked Soderberg has been runner-up in the last two events - the Indian Open and the ISPS Handa Championship.
They are part of his five top-10 finishes in his nine tournaments so far in the 2024 season.
The China Open is back on the European tour schedule after an absence of five years.
