Third round suspended at Augusta

AUGUSTA, Georgia, Apr 8 (Reuters) Play was suspended in the US Masters third round today because of the threat of lightning and approaching thunderstorms.

Players had been on the course for 2-1/2 hours when the sirens sounded at 1300 local time, 2230 hrs IST.

''The progress of the storm is being continuously monitored,'' Will Nicholson, chairman of the competition committee, said in a statement.

''We expect the delay to last approximately one hour.'' With the weather forecast for the Augusta area predicting isolated thunderstorms and rain, plus possible hail, later in the day, the third round is likely to be carried over tomorrow.

Tournament leader Chad Campbell, who moved three strokes clear after firing a five-under-par 67 in the second round, had been scheduled to tee off at 1450 today.

After the first two rounds at Augusta National were played in bright sunshine and fast-running conditions, the par-72 layout will play longer and softer over the weekend with more receptive greens.

Reuters OM VP0032