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New Delhi - Italy's Matteo Manassero took the clubhouse lead after carding a four-under 68 on a rain-hit Thursday at the Hero Indian Open in New Delhi.
England's David Horsey topped the leader board with five-under but could only complete 15 holes after an hour's play was lost due to rain in the national capital.
Manassero, the youngest winner in European Tour history after clinching the Castello Masters in 2010 at 16 years of age, held a one-shot advantage ahead of Eddie Pepperell of England.
The 23-year-old Manassero shot seven birdies during an impressive run of play as he stood above many top golfers at the Delhi Golf Club.
World number 26 and Manassero's compatriot Rafa Cabrera Bello languished at tied 49th with one-over 73 after having a forgettable day with three double bogey's.
Indian golfer and defending champion SSP Chawrasia, who was playing alongside Horsey, made significant strides at one-under after just completing 15 holes in fading light.
The event, sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour for the third straight year, carries an enhanced prize purse of $1.75 million.
Scores after first round:
1 David Horsey (ENG) -5 -5 15
2 Matteo Manassero (ITA) 68 -4 (68)
3 Eddie Pepperell (ENG) 69 -3 (69)
3 Carlos Pigem (ESP) -3 -3 16
3 Gregory Havret (FRA) -3 -3 12
6 Sam Walker (ENG) 70 -2 (70)
6 Paul Peterson (USA) 70 -2 (70)
6 Steven Tiley (ENG) 70 -2 (70)
6 Angelo Que (PHI) 70 -2 (70)
6 Danny Chia (MAS) 70 -2 (70)
6 Jose-Filipe Lima (POR) 70 -2 (70)
6 Romain Langasque (FRA) -2 -2 16
6 Jazz Janewattananond (THA) -2 -2 15
6 Felipe Aguilar (CHI) -2 -2 15
6 Anthony Wall (ENG) -2 -2 13
6 Eduardo De la Riva (ESP) -2 -2 12
