Welshman Oliver Farr set his sights on staying under par after making a stunning start to the weather-affected Andalucía Valderrama Masters hosted by the Sergio Garcia Foundation.
Farr was among the 60 players who had to complete their first rounds on Friday after four hours of playing time were lost due to stormy conditions at Real Club Valderrama on Thursday.
More inclement weather caused another suspension on Friday morning, with no play possible until 11.30am local time - two-and-a-half hours after the scheduled restart time of 9.00am.
But when the first round eventually resumed, Challenge Tour graduate Farr added gains at the 12th and 17th to the birdie he had carded at the tenth - his first - on Thursday evening to get to three under. He then parred his way home to sign for a 68.
It was not long before he was back out to start his second round, however, and he opened with four straight birdies to remain two strokes behind leader Ashley Chesters.
Farr shone at last week's Sky Sports British Masters, finishing in a tie for ninth to jump up to 153rd in the Race to Dubai Rankings presented by Rolex.
But Farr needs another big week in Spain if he is to finish inside the top 116 and retain his European Tour card.
After his opening round, Farr said: "My short game saved me a lot. There were a lot of good par saves, which is the key around here I think.
"I've just got to try to stay under par. Any time you shoot under par around this golf course, you're happy with it.
"I know what I've got to do. I'm not in a great position. Last week helped a little bit and if I play great, you never know what can happen."
