McDowell in front as rains return

Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell moved into a one-shot lead before yet more bad weather disrupted the Italian Open in Milan today.

Heavy rain and thunderstorms had already reduced the tournament to 54 holes, and another storm this afternoon raised the possibility of a Monday finish.

McDowell had picked up four birdies in his first eight holes to move to 16 under par when play was suspended at 4pm local time.

The 24-year-old from Portrush was one shot ahead of second-round leader Angel Cabrera and French duo Thomas Levet and Gregory Havret.

Cabrera was unusually subdued in carding just one birdie in eight holes to reach 15 under, while Havret had eagled the ninth and birdied the 10th before the delay.

Levet had also just birdied the ninth before the downpour, which also saw hailstones pounding the putting green outside the clubhouse.

When the storm passed tournament director Mike Stewart went out to examine the course with a view to resuming play as soon as possible.