Spain’s Sergio Garcia grabbed the lead as the first round of the Nedbank Golf Challenge was completed on day two in Sun City.
Storms had curtailed the opening day’s play in South Africa on Thursday, with Garcia’s Ryder Cup partner Luke Donald holding the overnight lead.
Before play restarted at 07:30 local time at the Gary Player Country Club, there was a minute’s silence as a mark of respect to Nelson Mandela, one of modern history’s most influential and remarkable men who sadly passed away last night.
Garcia carded a six under par 66 to lead by one shot from fellow Spaniard Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño, Denmark's Thomas Björn and Wales' Jamie Donaldson, with Donald and local favourite Charl Schwartzel a shot further back.
Donald had led on five under after 11 holes when play was abandoned for the day on Thursday after a second thunderstorm hit the course, the former World Number One having raced to the turn in 31 with an eagle and three birdies.
The 35 year old was unable to maintain such form when play resumed on Friday, the players observing a minute's silence and wearing black ribbons as a mark of respect following the death of former South African president Mandela.
A bogey on the 16th was Donald's only deviation from par, allowing Garcia to take over at the top of the leaderboard thanks to a strong finish.
Garcia had been one over par after six holes, but picked up seven birdies in his next 11 holes to boost his chances of winning the title for a third time.
Afterwards Garcia paid tribute to Mandela, saying: “It’s sad to lose Madiba, not only for South Africa, but for the world.
“He was such a great man and did so many great things for humanity. He was someone to look up to.”
Thursday's delays meant the players were soon back on the course in an attempt to get back on schedule, with Donaldson surging to the top of the leaderboard.
Birdies on the first, second, fourth and eighth took Donaldson to nine under par and four shots clear of Björn as Garcia faltered with bogeys at the third and fifth.
