Challenge Tour Number One Brooks Koepka was making a serious charge just before play was suspended at the Scottish Hydro Challenge hosted by Macdonald Hotels and Resorts as he cleared 12 holes in seven under par to move within one of the lead.
The American, a two-time winner on the Challenge Tour this year, got off to a flying start as he birdied the opening three holes before three more birdies took him to the turn in six under for the day.
Another birdie at the 11th meant he was seven under through 12 holes as the 23 year old chases a third victory of 2013 which would earn him automatic promotion to The European Tour.
When play was suspended for rain, Koepka was a shot off the lead shared by Andrea Pavan and Steve Tiley.
Pavan, a former Challenge Tour Grand Final winner who finished second in the 2011 Rankings, reached the turn in four under par to move to 14 under, where he was joined by Steve Tiley, who had a stunning six under par front nine which comprised of seven birdies, a bogey and a par.
Byeong-hun An and local favourite Jack Doherty were alongside Koepka in tied third place as the players prepared to resume play midway through moving day.
