French Open: Fan taken to hospital as scoreboard falls on crowd

This man suffered a bloodied arm in the incident, which also injured two others

One spectator was taken to hospital after a piece of the scoreboard fell on him in strong winds at the French Open.

The incident occurred on the main Philippe Chatrier court as Jo-Wilfried Tsonga was playing Kei Nishikori.

Play was halted for more than half an hour as other spectators were ushered away from the scene.

"One person had an open injury on one of his wrists, so he was taken to the hospital for further investigation," said tournament director Gilbert Ysern.

Frenchman Tsonga was leading Japan's Nishikori by a set and 5-2 when the quarter-final match was interrupted. Tsonga went on to win 6-1 6-4 4-6 3-6 6-3.

A three-metre long piece of aluminium, used to protect the electronic scoreboard from pigeons, was blown free by the wind during a changeover and fell on to the top rows of seating.

Officials moved quickly to help the injured man before the area was taped off and cleaned, and spectators allowed to return as play resumed after 35 minutes.

Three spectators were taken to the on-site medical facility but two were found to be unhurt.

"One was a child who walked back on to the court," said Ysern. "He was supporting Jo and wanted to watch."

Members of the crowd beckon for medical help in the moments after the incident

A sizeable piece of the scoreboard came away in the high winds

Jo-Wilfred Tsonga watches on during the delay

Medical staff were quickly on the scent to treat the injured

The injured man was able to raise a smile before being taken away