The first round of the BMW Italian Open was delayed by two hours following days of persistent rain in Turin - and appropriately it was Graeme Storm who led once play got underway.
Play was due to get under way at 7.30am local time but was put back due to a saturated course which also saw Wednesday's pro-am washed out.
Play got under way at 9.30am and English duo Paul Broadhurst and Robert Coles were the very early pacesetters, both picking up a birdie on the tenth, their opening hole.
Ryder Cup Captain Colin Montgomerie was playing with Matteo Manassero and Hassan II Trophee winner Rhys Davies.
Manassero turned pro this week following a superb amateur career which saw him win the British Amateur Championship in 2009, finish 13th in The Open Championship at Turnberry a month later and then 36th in the Masters Tournament at Augusta National last month.
Watched by a sizeable gallery, Manassero split the fairway with his opening drive but his approach finished on the lower level of the sloping green and he did well to judge his first putt from long distance and save par.
The teenager, who is the second youngest professional in European Tour history behind Seve Ballesteros, also had to settle for par on the par five 11th after leaving himself a tough downhill putt for birdie, while Montgomerie three-putted for a bogey six following a poor approach from a lay-up which left him too close to the green.
England's Storm had moved into the lead on three under par after birdies at the third, fifth and sixth, with former Ryder Cup player Andrew Coltart among a large group a shot behind.
