Berganio Jr takes early lead

David Berganio Jr has taken the lead in the first round of the rain-plagued Houston Open.

Berganio, who has failed to make the cut of five of his 10 events this season, is six-under after 10 holes, giving him a one-shot lead over Andrew Magee, Fred Couples and defending champion Vijay Singh of Fiji.

Starting on the back nine, Berganio had four birdies, including three straight from 15 to 17, and added an eagle on the par-3 first hole.

Magee is through 15 holes, Couples has completed 13 and Singh 12.

Thunderstorms interrupted play for around two hours on Thursday morning.

Ernie Els, second in the world rankings, is trying to bounce back from his disappointing end to last week’s tournament. The South African built a two-stroke lead at The Heritage on Sunday, but his double-bogey, bogey, bogey finish left him in a tie for 10th at Harbour Town Golf Links.