Relief for players as hot weather set to turn cooler

HOYLAKE, England, July 19 (Reuters) After having to endure scorching heat all week in practice, players at the British Open breathed a sigh of relief when forecasters predicted cooler weather for the championship proper.

Temperatures are due to peak at 34 degrees Celsius (93.20F) at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club today, with an increasing risk of heavy, thundery rain in the evening and through the night.

The outlook is for cooler weather in tomorrow's first round, with showers forecast for the morning and temperatures expected to slide into the mid-20s.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday are likely to be pleasantly warm, with winds generally light.

The recent spell of hot weather has left the fairways dry, bone-hard and straw-coloured in appearance.

REUTERS DH PC2025