Johl, enjoying a comeback year after several seasons in the doldrums, fired an opening round of six-under-par 66 to lead Japan's Toshikazu Fukuda by two strokes.

A total of 48 players, however, were unable to complete their rounds because of two long rain delays extending to little over four hours. Defending champion Simon Yates of Scotland was still out on the course on four under for the Davidoff Tour event with eight holes to play.