Golf: Scott Jamieson’s fightback halted by storm

Scott Jamieson started with a bogey but then covered his next nine holes in seven-under before thunderstorms brought play to a premature halt in the first round of the Maybank Malaysian Open.

Needing a strong showing in the event to boost his hopes of playing in next month’s Masters, the Glaswegian was lying a shot off the lead in joint second when play was suspended.

World No  3 Luke Donald, meanwhile, insisted jet-lag was not a factor after finding himself nine shots off the lead. Donald only arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday after finishing fourth in the defence of his Tampa Bay Championship, a result which had him looking forward with optimism to the Masters.

The 35-year-old was adamant the 12-hour time difference would not be a problem, but was nevertheless far from his best in compiling a two-over 74 in sweltering conditions, which saw two players retire ill before play was abandoned.

Effotrs will now be made to get the event back on track, with an early finish planned for Sunday to allow the country’s prime minister to attend the prize-giving ceremony before heading to the Malaysian Grand Prix.

Donald, outscored by three shots by playing partner Stephen Gallacher, said: “I slept pretty well the last two nights and felt pretty good, it was just a case of not being quite on today.”

Donald is nine shots off the clubhouse lead of Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat, fourth in last week’s Avantha Masters, who shot 65.

Italy’s Edoardo Molinari, Denmark’s Anders Hansen and France’s Gregory Bourdy are a shot behind after rounds of 66, while pre-tournament ­favourite Charl Schwartzel four under after 11 before play was suspended.

Jamieson, fourth in the Race to Dubai, after winning the Nelson Mandela Championship in South African in December, started with a bogey, but then roared back with an eagle and five birdies in his next nine holes.