Fasth sets pace between showers

Defending champion Niclas Fasth moved into a share of the lead when the rain-affected Mallorca Classic resumed today.

An afternoon thunderstorm which brought torrential rain for three and a half hours meant half the field were unable to finish their first rounds yesterday, and left two cars stranded in the muddy car park.

Fasth was three under par after seven holes when play was suspended and resumed with two pars to reach the turn in 32.

A birdie on the par-five 10th then took the former Ryder Cup player to four under and a share of the lead with Denmark’s Mads Vibe-Hastrup, winner of the Madrid Open a fortnight ago, Hull’s Richard Finch, South African Andrew McLardy and Ireland’s Gary Murphy.

After a bogey on the third, Vibe-Hastrup had carded five birdies in a row from the fourth to be out in 31, while Finch had started from the 10th and covered the back nine in 31 as well.

Gary Murphy and South African Andrew McLardy were the clubhouse leaders after completing their rounds of 66 yesterday. The duo also shared the first-round lead here 12 months ago, Murphy also leading after 36 and 54 holes only to fade to 13th with a closing 76.

The 35-year-old from Kilkenny was battling to keep his card then, however, and now with that already secure for 2008 is aiming for a top-two finish to qualify for next week’s season-ending Volvo Masters.

“My first round is always my best round here,” joked Murphy. “Apart from jumping on the ambulance for the last four holes last year I’ve had a bit of success here.

“After three-putting the 16th I’d lost my chance to win the tournament and just panicked on the last two holes, I was physically and mentally drained. It’s difficult to forget but I’ll try to.

“I’ve guaranteed a job for next year at least but I’ve got a lot of friends in the same position now as I was last year and it’s just horrible. All you can do is wish them the best.”