| Slaley
Hall, Northumberland, 14th June 1998 - The
water-logged Compaq European Grand Prix was called off today following overnight
rain, leaving players with no pay and sponsors without an event. "Because
we didn't complete 36 holes, we do not have a result," tournament director
Mike Stewart said. "The tournament is completely null and void for the year.
"The event
organizers will look at insurances and see if any payment can be made to the players."
Stewart quashed
speculation that the £650,000 tournament might be played later in the year. "It
is not an option because it would be very difficult for the various groups involved,"
he said. "While
it might be relatively easy for ourselves and the players, it would not be easy
for television, the hotel, sponsors and the course." Only
43 players got through 36 holes, with Englishmen Barry Lane and Andrew Sherborne
sharing the lead when play was washed out Saturday. One hundred six other players
also failed to finish 36 holes. Rain
was almost constant at the course since Thursday when all play was washed out.
On Friday, only
half of the field played 18 holes on the course shortened from par-72 to 69 because
of drenched tees and fairways. Saturday
was no better. Fighting
off all-day showers, the remainder of the field sloshed through 18 holes -- and
43 others got in a second 18 before a deluge ended play. Sherborne
and Lane each shot 2-under 67s in the first round and had matching 68s in the
second for 135 totals. | 
