Rain halts play for the day

England’s David Howell went on a spectacular second round charge to share the lead with Ryder Cup team-mate Luke Donald and American Chris DiMarco on his Masters debut at Augusta National today – before rain ended play for the day at lunchtime.

The 29-year-old from Swindon, without a tournament victory since the 1999 Dubai Desert Classic and with a best finish on American soil of 37th, thrilled the band of family and friends staying with him and following him with five birdies in seven holes on the back nine.