Lawrie, Storm among leaders

Turin - Paul Lawrie overcame the worst of Thursday's rainy weather to shoot a 5-under 67 and take a share of the lead in the first round of the Italian Open.

The start of the tournament was delayed by two hours to repair damage to the waterlogged course, and Lawrie was among the late finishers before play was halted with 30 golfers still to complete their rounds.

The Scot was tied atop the leaderboard with Marcus Fraser or Australia and English duo Graeme Storm and Robert Rock - who all played in calmer morning conditions.

Lawrie began his round late in the afternoon just as heavy rain set in for about an hour.

Lawrie said "it did get fairly messy out there while I was playing, compared to the conditions in the morning."