VIENNA (Reuters) - Organizers abandoned the first day's play at the Austrian Open on Thursday before a ball had been struck because of a waterlogged course.

The Fontana Golf Course on the outskirts of Vienna had been hit by heavy overnight rain which continued in the morning when the event was abandoned for the day at 0845 GMT.

"Round one will now be played on Friday and round two on Saturday. We will then decide whether we go for four rounds or reduce to 54 holes," said tournament director Miguel Vidaor.

He said that around seven centimeters of rain had fallen in the last two days and if the tournament went to four rounds the midway cut would likely be made at 50 players and not the original 65.

"There is obviously a possibility that we could reduce to 54 holes, with Austria's opening match of the Euro 2008 football championships which kicks off at 1800 (local) on Sunday evening," Vidaor said.

"If we decide to try and play 72 holes and get caught out by the weather again then we are looking at a Monday finish."

He said the forecast for Friday and the weekend was improved but thunderstorms were a possibility on Sunday.

(Editing by Miles Evans)