DOHA: Scott Jamieson and Daniel Hillier shared the lead after shooting 7-under 65s in the first round of the 26th Qatar Masters at Doha Golf Club on Thursday before play was suspended because of lightning.
The Qatari capital and its surrounding areas witnessed lightning, thunder, and strong winds along with rain.
Jamieson’s fellow Scots Stephen Gallacher, Robert MacIntyre and defending champion Ewen Ferguson completed rounds of 66 to share second place with Spain’s Santiago Tarrío.
Jamieson went out in the first group of the day and the 346th-ranked Scot, who is battling to keep his European tour card, finished a bogey-free round with birdies at Nos. 17 and 18.
Hillier, a No. 139-ranked New Zealander who won the British Masters in July, joined Jamieson in the lead by making eagle from 14 feet at the first hole and adding five birdies in another round without a bogey.
Among those still to complete their rounds, Spain’s Alvaro Quiros and England’s Jordan Smith were highest on the leaderboard at three under through nine holes.
It was decided that the opening round will resume at 6.30am tomorrow morning for players who have not finished their competitions.
As for the second round competitions, they will begin at 9.30AM and will continue on Saturday. The competition will concludes on Sunday.