Norgaard takes sole lead on rain-hit opening day at DP World India Championship

Danish golfer Niklas Norgaard took the sole lead at the opening day of the DP World India Championship at the Delhi Golf Club on Thursday, as play was disrupted by heavy rain that wiped out nearly five hours.

Norgaard produced a six-under-par 66 to top the leaderboard after navigating the wet conditions. The 34-year-old began on the back nine and eagled his first hole following a precise tee shot, an excellent approach and a six-foot putt. Explaining his mentality, he said: "I hit a five-iron off the tee. As I walked up, I thought I had played a little too conservatively before, so I wanted to just go for it." He closed his round with two consecutive birdies.

Fan favourite Rory McIlroy recorded a two-under-par 70 and sat tied 13th, with the extended rain delay disrupting his rhythm. McIlroy returned to his hotel during the break and later came back to the course, saying: "It took me a little while to get going again." He added: "The leaders have not gotten too far ahead. There is a lot of golf left."

Eugenio Chacarra was among the leaders, moving into a tie for second on five-under-par 67 after holding the outright lead into the ninth and final hole. A late bogey, produced when he pulled his tee shot left into the rough, halted his charge. The Spaniard, second in the Race to Dubai standings, is still coping with pain after breaking a toe a couple of weeks ago and said: "I’m still taking some medicines, but I’m feeling better every day."

India’s best performer on the day was Om Prakash Chouhan, who carded a four-under-par 68. "I had just one simple plan today — do not miss the fairway," the experienced professional said. The scores (top five): Niklas Norgaard 66; Tom McKibbin, Thomas Detry, Eugenio Chacarra 67; Scott Jamieson, Ewen Ferguson, Robert Macintyre, Om Prakash Chouhan, Marcus Armitage, Adrian Meronk 68.

For the 12 players who did not get to tee off on Thursday, a long day of 36 holes awaits on Friday.