Reuters - Defending champion Niclas Fasth of Sweden completed a storm-interrupted five under 65 to lead the first round of the Mallorca Classic at Pula Golf Club.
The Ryder Cup player picked up two more birdies on his return to the course following the previous afternoon's suspension to take him a shot clear of six players, including South African Andrew McLardy and Irishman Gary Murphy, who finished their rounds on Thursday.
Irishman Peter Lawrie, Dutchman Robert-Jan Derksen, Jean-Francois Lucquin of France and England's Sam Little also share second place after completing rounds of 66 on Friday morning.
Fasth is still just in running to win The European Tour's Order of Merit but conceded it was now a long-shot.
"Three weeks ago I had hopes," said Fasth, currently lying fifth on the Order of Merit behind Ernie Els, Padraig Harrington, Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson. "But I have failed to win a second tournament and I have a lot of catching up to do."
Victory this week and second place in next week's season-ending Volvo Masters would give Fasth - who was tied fifth in the 2006 Volvo Masters - a chance to be European Number One.
After a 45 minute break, Fasth began his second round as officials tried to make up for lost time.
