Gods deal billionaire second successive duff hand

Terence Mathews has invested £110 million so far in the incredible resort that is Celtic Manor, in Newport, home this week to the Wales Open.Matthews, a deal-maker extraordinaire, and a billionaire to boot has, though, failed to come to a satisfactory agreement with the weather gods and yesterday they did their worst - once again.

Last year this event was won by Paul McGinley, a victory that cemented his place in the European Ryder Cup team.

But it was achieved over 36 holes, with a sodden course refusing to allow any more play.

Yesterday the start was delayed by three hours and 20 minutes as mist clung to the holes that are located in the Usk Valley, and when play eventually began it was halted again by the threat of lightning.

By late afternoon only two players had completed the course, Alex Cejka and Grant Hamerton, and as they were 13 and 19-over par respectively, their journeys had not been really necessary.

At least, though, they were able to go home. As the rain hammered down it became obvious that play would have to be halted for the day and the remaining 148 golfers will be called back to the course for a 7.30 a.m. start today.

What is certain, though, is that play will not be extended until Monday. Matthews, in the knowledge that the US PGA Championship starts next week, has laid on his private, 16-seater jet to whisk the five players involved in that event - McGinley, Paul Lawrie, Darren Clarke, Phillip Price and Lee Westwood - from Cardiff to Minneapolis.

Lawrie will be keen for as much play as possible to take place. He won the Scottish Match Play title last week in weather so bad that play had to be transferred from one course to another.

That form has continued into wet Wales. He had four birdies in an outward half of 32 yesterday, and after 29 holes he was the tournament leader on nine-under par, which was one shot clear of his nearest rival.

Richard Green of Australia was next on eight-under after 23 holes while Lee Westwood and the winner of the Scandinavian Open last week, Graeme McDowell, were both one-under after 27 holes.

Guardian Service

9 under - Paul Lawrie (29)

8 under - Richard Green (Aus) (23)

7 under - James Kingston (Rsa) (18)

6 under - Bradley Dredge (18), John Bickerton (27)

Others: 4 under - Darren Clarke (18)

3 under - Paul McGinley (18)