Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant shot a course record-equalling seven-under-par 65 to lead the opening round of the Maybank Malaysian Open by one stroke before an afternoon thunderstorm suspended play.

A debut tour victory in Hong Kong last year kick-started Fredrik Jacobson’s surge up the world rankings and the tobacco-chewing Swede is back in south-east Asia hungry for a repeat performance.

Former Ryder Cup player David Gilford is on course for his first tournament win in almost seven years in the Algarve Portuguese Open.