Storm-hit Malaysian Open to be decided over 54 holes

The Malaysian Open will be decided over 54 holes as thunderstorms again curtailed play in Kuala Lumpur.

Thailand’s Thammanoon Srirot birdied the first hole to move clear at the top of the leaderboard, before play was called off.

Welshman David Park remained confident in his search for victory at the Maybank Malaysian Open despite losing his overnight lead. He was 13 under par and in the final group out, but instantly dropped back as he bogeyed the first hole and Srirot birdied to take the lead.

That was as far as it went, with play halted and called off for the day at 5.10pm local time, with the event now to be decided over 54 holes.

“I’m not too happy with the bogey but these things happen. It’s only my third bogey of the week. I’m not making many, so I’m not worried,’ said Park, who is now joint second on 12 under with defending champion Thongchai Jaidee.

Srirot, who will be aiming for a first European Tour victory tomorrow, said: “I will be safe if I can make birdies. I will go for it. I know I cannot afford to bogey.”

Jaidee added: “I expected the weather to be like this here. Now it’s rainy season but the course is not difficult as the fairways are wide.”

Australian Marcus Fraser called on some local knowledge as he was four under for the day through six holes.

He picked up five birdies before dropping a shot on the sixth just before the siren sounded.

“I have a local caddy I use whenever I’m up in Malaysia and he pretty much reads every putt for me,” said the 26-year-old, whose last win was the 2003 BMW Russian Open.

Of the weather conditions, Fraser added: “You get used to it. Every time you come to Malaysia, you have these thunderstorms and you are prepared for it. You’re prepared when you get off the plane. You just have to take it on the chin. But it’s nice to be in contention, it’s been a while.”

Gary Murphy is best of the Irish, tied in sixth place on -10. David Higgins is two further back, with Padraig Harrington one back again on -7.

The third round will resume at 8.45am on Sunday.