Players back out on the course

Play resumed at 5pm local time, with up to two hours of play possible at The Celtic Manor Resort.

John Paramor, The European Tour’s chief referee, deemed the Twenty Ten course playable after the deluged which forced a seven hours and 15 minute delay to the opening.

Play  resumed at 5pm local time, with up to two hours of play possible at The Celtic Manor Resort.

He said: “I think there will be a bit of water in some of the bunkers, but that’s not the main issue. We wanted to clear all the fairways of water and give the players a chance, but if the have to take relief on rule 25, they will drop on the short grass, not the long grass.

“It’s forecast to turn quite bright this evening. I believe sunset is around about 6.15pm, but who knows, we might be able to play as late as 7pm. We’re just going to play for as long as we can.”

As the players returned to the course, Westwood and Kaymer continued as they left off, winning the first hole back, the sixth, to go three up in the top match.