Friday 3 February 2017 15:36, UK
Martin Kaymer and Chris Wood were among the players to criticise the European Tour’s decision to suspend play at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.
Emirates Golf Club was hit by strong winds throughout Friday, where several trees were blown over as gusts increased before the second round was suspended at 2.25pm local time.
Greens were not cut or rolled on Friday due to the expected bad weather, while those in the second half of the draw faced tough conditions for the second day running.
Kaymer battled through the winds as one of the early starters to card a three-under 69 and join Rafa Cabrera Bello in a share of the clubhouse lead, but wasn't impressed with the decision to halt play.
"Hard to understand the difference between the morning play and now, therefore even more surprised about the decision," the German posted on Twitter after his round.
The former US Open champion is five strokes behind leader George Coetzee, who was one-shot clear of first round pacesetter Sergio Garcia after eight holes.
Coetzee and the afternoon starters will now return at 7.30am on Saturday morning to finish their rounds, where far better weather is forecast.
Former Masters champion Trevor Immelman, who is set to miss the cut at four over par, wrote on Twitter: "Suspending play now is ridiculous, half the field played 36 holes in these conditions."
Wood was also critical of the decision on social media, saying: "This has just been turned into the most one-sided event of the year."
The European Tour defended their decision to abandon play for the day, citing player and spectator safety as a reason for their decision.
"Winds increased during the course of lunchtime into the early afternoon to the point where we had gusts approaching 36 miles an hour and beyond," tournament director Mike Stewart said.
"We had TV towers that the roofs were blown off. We had balls moving on the greens - blew into a bunker at one stage - five trees came down, it was very unsafe and it was unplayable.
"So we brought the players off the golf course in the interests of play and safety to the spectators, as well.
"Hopefully we can get most of the third round completed tomorrow. We'll still have a bit to conclude on Sunday and, all going well, still have a good chance of finishing on time on Sunday afternoon."
Watch the Omega Dubai Desert Classic throughout the weekend live on Sky Sports 4 - your home of golf
