RAIN might have ruined last week's Wales Open at Celtic Manor but there was a welcome ray of sunshine for Jeremy Robinson.

The 35-year-old Evesham Tour professional was handily placed after 36 holes, five shots behind the leaders, when heavy overnight rain ruined the event into a three-player play-off on Sunday afternoon.

It was the first time in European Tour history that an event shortened to 36 holes had been decided in sudden-death manner.

Irishman Paul McGinley was the winner at the fifth time down the par three 12th - bogeys for Paul Lawne and Darren Lee almost securing McGinley's Ryder Cup place.

Robinson recovered from dropping three shots after Friday's delayed start at the opening three holes to card an opening 73.

"It was a decent score after the bad start and I played solidly again on Saturday," he recalled.

"There was some doubt as to the nature of the cut but I was comfortable on the back nine."

Robinson birdied nine and ten to go two-under for the event but he was back to level before bogeys at 13 and 15.

A birdie two holes later brought a round of 70 and a position in the top 20.

Tournament officials decided to reduce the event to 54 holes but the weather, which had dogged play since only 30 minutes play was possible last Thursday, returned to deny 78 of the remaining 81 players the chance to swing a club.

"It was bad on Saturday and they played the play-off down the same hole because of the state of the fairways," he said.

The Evesham golfer's disappointment at not being able to get back out on the course was somewhat tempered by a cheque for almost £8,000 for his 36 holes work. The prize money was reduced to 75% to reflect the scaled down contest. Only a top ten finish at this week's North West of Ireland Open will match that payment as Robinson crosses the Irish Sea to have a crack at the season's lowest ranked event.