David Horsey opened up a two-shot lead as the second round of the weather-delayed Hero Indian Open got under way on Friday.
The threat of lightning on day one meant that 66 players had to return to complete their opening rounds at DLF Golf and Country Club, including Horsey, who signed for a 66 to establish a one-shot lead after 18 holes.
The Englishman then turned in level par 36 from the tenth in round two to stay at six under and lead the way ahead of Carlos Pigem and Matteo Manassero, who was yet to begin his second round.
The performance represents a welcome return to form for the 31 year old, who has just one top 30 in seven events this season and is seeking a first win since the 2015 Made in Denmark.
He returned with three holes to complete in the first round and holed an 18-foot right-to-lefter on the last to record a first birdie of the day.
After a quick turnaround, he birdied the 12th but gave the shot straight back on the next before putting his approach to the par five 15th to four feet. A bogey then came on the 18th after Horsey found the hazard and had to take a drop.
Spaniard Pigem overcame a double-bogey to get to one under for his round after 11 holes.
He went bogey-birdie in his remaining two first-round holes and that roller coaster continued into the second circuit with a birdie on the 13th and then that double on the next. He picked a shot straight back up and when he rolled in a 12-footer on the second, he was in a share of second spot.
Nino Bertasio made three birdies in his last four holes in round one to establish himself as Horsey's closest challenger but a bogey-bogey start in round two dropped him to three under.
Defending champion and home favourite SSP Chawrasia was also three under for both the round and the tournament after birdies on the 11th, 14th - via a huge putt - and 15th in his first nine.
Eddie Pepperell was also in that group after an opening 69, a shot clear of Stephen Gallacher, Michael Hoey and five afternoon starters.
