By IANS
London : Wimbledon organisers will be forced to pay out more than a million pounds to spectators who endured a rain-hit day at the All England Club Saturday, the BBC reported on its website.
Fans on Centre Court saw only 57 minutes of action and are entitled to a full refund on their ticket.
If defending women's singles champion Amelie Mauresmo's win over Mara Santangelo had lasted three minutes longer, organisers would have saved over half a million pounds.
Court One spectators can claim a half refund after seeing 74 minutes of play.xSaturday saw the worst weather of the 2007 championship so far with play starting almost two hours later than scheduled.
And after Mauresmo and Maria Sharapova completed their matches, the rain arrived again and play was finally abandoned for the day.
"We all share the disappointment and frustration at today's outcome and thank everyone for their patience and good humour in the face of the trying circumstances," said All England Club chief executive Ian Ritchie.
"Although I am sure it will not compensate for the disappointment caused, I can confirm that the appropriate refund will be paid to the original purchaser."
There has only been one rain-free day at this year's championship so far but organisers ruled out playing on the middle Sunday.