Golf: Moseley makes most of early start

Australian Jarrod Moseley produced a sparkling finish to move into the lead in the rain-delayed first round of the Novotel Perrier French Open this morning.

Moseley was one of 75 players unable to complete their rounds on schedule yesterday after a four-hour delay when heavy rain flooded parts of the Sangliers course at Lyon Golf Club.

The 28-year-old from Perth returned to the course today at 8am local time and birdied his final three holes to card a seven under par 63 and take the lead by one shot from England’s Daren Lee.

‘‘I started on the 12th and hit a five iron to 10 feet for a birdie which was a nice way to start the morning,’’ said Moseley, who won the 1999 Heineken Classic on his European Tour debut.

‘‘Then I birdied the last three, played beautifully and rolled in a few putts after changing to cross-handed putting this week.

‘‘It’s the best round for a while, I’ve been a bit quiet over the last six months. I’m hitting the ball better than two years ago but dried up with the putter.

‘‘I’m now playing right through to the British Masters and might try for the US Open qualifying if I keep playing like this.’’

Moseley had just half an hour to grab some breakfast before heading back onto the course to begin his second round as tournament organisers tried to make up for the lost time yesterday.

Meanwhile, compatriot James McLean had also finished strongly with two birdies in his last three holes to finish on five under par, two off the lead.