Thriston Lawrence becomes Joburg Open champion after weather-shortened event

Thriston Lawrence is the Joburg Open champion after thunderstorms meant only 36 holes of the tournament could be completed at Randpark Golf Club.

Lawrence, who fired back-to-back rounds of 65 to go four shots clear through two rounds, saw his advantage reduced to three after two holes of the third and final round, but bad weather swept over Randpark and never relented, meaning Lawrence was declared the winner and handed the trophy.

Bookmakers and exchanges unanimously paid out on Lawrence as the victor, with rulebooks stating that 36 holes must be played for a result to stand.

Lawrence, a best-price 225-1 with bet365 ante-post and available at double that on the exchanges early in the week, was a Racing Post Sport pre-tournament recommendation. A bogey at the first hole of the third round left his backers nervous, before thunder and lightning brought an early end to the tournament. Sunday play was not possible due to the Covid-related travel restrictions and the need for the players to depart the region.

Next week's South African Open is no longer a DP World Tour event - it has been downgraded to Sunshine Tour status. The Alfred Dunhill Championship, which was due to be played the week after next, has been abandoned due to the coronavirus situation in South Africa.

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