The Players tournament, Australian GP cancelled as coronavirus shuts down sport

Formula One F1 - Australian Grand Prix - Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit, Melbourne, Australia - March 13, 2020 General view of the track after it was announced the Australian Grand Prix would be cancelled after a McLaren team member tested positive for coronavirus REUTERS/Loren Elliott

SYDNEY (Reuters) - The Players Championship golf event was halted after one round and the Australian Formula One Grand Prix scrapped as the unprecedented shutdown of elite sport triggered by the coronavirus pandemic continued around the globe on Friday.

In a frenetic 24 hours, Europe's leading soccer leagues were placed on hold, the top men's tennis circuit was suspended for six weeks, the NHL shut down and cricket matches ordered to be played without fans.