Golf: Canonica and Olazabal tied on Garcia turf

Published on Friday 23 October 2009 10:14

JOSE MARIA OLAZABAL found himself in a tie with his former caddie when the Castello Masters resumed in Spain today.

Olazabal and Italian Emanuele Canonica, who carried his bag in this year's Masters at Augusta, were both on six under par, two behind overnight leader Sergio Garcia.

They had a long wait to play again, though, as only half the field completed their first rounds yesterday because of a three-hour suspension caused by strong winds.

Olazabal is trying to re-establish himself after suffering more problems with rheumatic pains, but at least he does not have to worry about his European Tour card.

Canonica, on the other hand, is 214th on the money list and needs to win to be sure of a place on the circuit next season. But taking the title is asking a lot of the 38-year-old, who says himself that it is "almost impossible" to beat Garcia on his home course.

The world No.10 took the title by three last year and overnight was one in front of Swede Michael Jonzon – another striving to keep his card – and Australian Robert Allenby after his opening 63.

Allenby had played just 11 holes and was looking to extend a run of four consecutive birdies when he set off again this morning.

Already out of the tournament is Masters champion Angel Cabrera, who had to be disqualified after just failing to make it in time from the 36-hole Grand Slam for this year's major winners in Bermuda on Monday and Tuesday.

Cabrera, who ran into flight problems, was given a late tee-off time, but his group had just started when play was halted by 40mph gusts.