THE Malaysia Open has been reduced to a 54-hole event following another weather delay at the Kota Permai Golf and Country Club yesterday.

The third round of the event was suspended due to lightning threats at around 2pm, just before overnight leader Andrew Dodt of Australia was due to tee off.

All 74 players, who made the halfway cut set at one-under 143, will resume their campaign today.

“The tournament has been affected by several lengthy delays and suspensions due to inclement weather throughout the week,” said Asian Tour tournament director Fritz Katzengruber yesterday.

“As a result, we have decided to reduce the tournament to 54 holes. The decision was made in the best interest of the tournament and our members.”

Seven Malaysians made the cut. Ben Leong was Malaysia’s best finisher with rounds of 70-70 to make the cut on four under.

Amir Nazrin, Shahriffuddin Ariffin, Nicholas Fung, Danny Chia, Leunkwang Kim and amateur Lo Tien Ming were the others who got through.

At 14 years and 308 days, Tien Ming became the second youngest Malaysian after 2017 Order of Merit champion Gavin Green (14 years and 305 days — 2008 Johor Open) to make the halfway cut of an Asian Tour event.

Not many fans turned up for the event yesterday.

Those who did were screened at the entrance and told to use the hand sanitiser — a precaution against Covid-19.