• Ryder Cup, Day One

European Tour chief executive hopeful of Sunday finish

It was a frustrating day for fans as the weather ruined much of the day's play © PA Photos

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European Tour chief executive George O'Grady is confident this year's Ryder Cup will be completed on Sunday as scheduled - weather permitting.

Despite the best efforts of the course staff, play was suspended at 0943 after only two hours of play because of heavy, persistent rain, before the action got back underway at 5pm.

Although the weather forecast for the weekend is not particularly great, O'Grady insists the event is on course to finish, as planned, on Sunday evening.

"We are still playing for 28 points," he said. "Both captains have fully agreed that after the four fourballs matches that are playing now, the second session will be extended to six foursomes matches, starting mid-morning tomorrow. So after these matches have been completed, it will be straight into the six foursomes.

"The third session will comprise two foursomes and four fourballs and that means by that time we'll have played for sixteen points - 8 of which foursomes, 8 of which are fourballs. Then we'll have time to schedule the schedules on Sunday afternoon and finish as planned on schedule.

"This all depends on the sky and if the rain comes back again. We don't have a good forecast for Sunday and if that happens we will then roll into Monday."

European Team captain Colin Montgomerie admitted his delight at hearing the event will not carry on into Monday.

"All credit to the organisation for coming up with a plan of attack," he said. "It's great for the fans. A Monday finish is no good in any sport. Now at least we can finish this in the allotted time. It will be tough on us all.

"I'll have fourballs finishing, I'll have people playing fourballs starting, I'll have people playing all over the place, as will Corey [Pavin]. But at the same time I think it mostly benefits the fans and they are the ones who are supported by this proposed new timetable.

"Provided we play 28 matches the integrity of the Ryder Cup will remain intact."

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