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22 June, 2008

Belsham Winner After Classic Is Hit By Storm

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Mark Belsham won the Manx Golf Classic at Castletown - after playing only one hole in the final round!

High winds and torrential rain rendered the famous old links unplayable soon after the teaching professional from Kent resort Stoneless teed off.

PGA North Region officials had no choice but the abandon the proceedings with the result being declared over 36 holes which made overnight leader Belsham the winner.

It was the first time in 25 years that the tournament could not be completed.

Regional secretary Graham Maly said: "We had no choice. Apart from flooded greens and fairways it was also considered dangerous playing in a gale."

Belsham, 48, who was five-under-par, added: "It was impossible out there."

And Huddersfield professional Paul Carman, a former winner who has played in nearly every Manx Classic, added: "I have never known anything like it. The third fairway was turned into a torrent."

Second place was shared by David Smith, 35, from Manchester club Swinton Park, and 2007 North Region Order of Merit winner David Shacklady, from Mossock Hall.