Richard Mansell and Ivan Cantero share the lead after the first day of the Omega European Masters at Crans-sur-Sierre, Switzerland. The tournament faced significant challenges due to fog delays, with only eight groups completing play before darkness forced a suspension. Mansell and Cantero both posted 65s, with Cantero highlighting a dramatic back-nine performance. Matt Fitzpatrick and others are in contention as half the field tees off on Friday. Photo: Carl Fourie/Gallo Images
Key highlights:
– Mansell overcame a bogey with birdies on 12th, 15th, and 17th
– Cantero scored an eagle at 14th and rolled in a long birdie putt
– Fog delays impacted play, leaving half the field without a start
– Fitzpatrick, Sterne, Kleu, and Migliozzi sit one stroke behind
– Weather conditions will shape Friday’s play
The European Masters opened with a dramatic twist as two golfers battled to the top after a fogfilled day at Cran Cersiier Golf Club. Richard Manel and Ivan Cano tied at five under par 65, each showcasing resilience and precision in the face of unpredictable conditions. But here’s where it gets controversial. A series of lengthy fog delays turned Thursday’s play into a chaotic event. Only eight groups managed to complete their rounds before darkness forced a sudden halt just after 8:00 p.m. local time. Half the field was left waiting with many unable to tee off until Friday morning. A reminder of how weather can upend even the most wellplanned tournaments. Manel’s journey to the lead was anything but smooth. He stumbled with a bogey at the 10th hole, his first, but bounced back with three crucial birdies on holes 12, 15, and 17 to cut the round in 33. His final stretch was equally impressive with three more birdies, sealing his victory. Cano, meanwhile, stole the show on the back nine. A long birdie putt at the 13th and an eagle at the 14th highlighted his dominance while four birdies and just one bogey kept him in contention. Two-time champion Matt Fitzpatrick was among those at three under with three holes remaining. South Africa’s Richard Stern, Ireland’s Ronin Clue, and Italy’s Gido Miglozi, whose 66 earned him a spot in the top three, were all one stroke behind, creating a tight battle for position. What’s clear is that this opening day wasn’t just about skill. It was a test of patience, adaptability, and luck. And this is the part most people miss. When weather disrupts a tournament, it doesn’t just delay play. It changes the game. So, what do you think? Was the fog a fair challenge or did it unfairly penalize the players who couldn’t play? Let us know in the comments below.
