National figure skating competition Guildford Open cancelled after ice rink melts

Organisers of a national figure skating tournament were forced to turn away competitors after its ice rink melted.

More than 400 top skaters from across the country had been set to take part in the 2017 Guildford Open in Surrey.

But the competition's opening day was scrapped on Monday after a "catastrophic" technical failure defrosted the arena at Guildford Spectrum leisure complex.

The event's referee, Stephen Fernandez, said: "As I am sure everyone will be aware, in order to hold an ice skating event, we must have ice. At present we do not have ice, hence cancelling the events on today."

Organisers first became aware the rink's chiller had failed on Sunday but despite engineers carrying out emergency repairs the system was not up and running in time for the tournament's start.

It was thought to be the first time since 1995 that an ice rink at a major competition has melted.

Disappointed competitors were turned away this morning and promised refunds for entry fees.

Mr Fernandez said: "There has been a catastrophic failure with the refrigeration plant and despite the management at the ice rink arranging an emergency refrigeration plant they were unable to freeze the ice in time for today's event.

"On behalf of the [organising committee] and rink management we can apologise for this unfortunate situation. It is rare for this to happen and the last time something of this nature has occurred was in 1995 at the World Championships held in Birmingham."

He said the ice rink's managers were "confident" the arena would be frozen in time for the competition to begin on Tuesday morning but that Monday's contests would not be rescheduled.

The tournament, open to top male and female skaters of all ages, had been due to last four days.

​Guildford Ice Figure Skating Club, which organised the competition, said in a statement: "We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and disappointment this may cause."