The weather on Thursday had meant that many players were left unable to finish their opening rounds, and had to return on Friday to do so. Amongst these was Chopra, who added to a first round 64 with a 65 to take control of the field on the second day with a four stroke lead.

After scoring birdies on two of his final four holes for the first round, the 37 year-old went on to make up another shot on the first hole of round two.

Following his perfect start, six more birdies and just one bogey allowed him to take the top of the leaderboard at 13 under for the tournament.

"I didn't drive the ball as well as I did yesterday, but my putting was perfect and my wedges were great," he commented.

"My iron play needs a little bit more work on the driving range this afternoon but if I can get that sorted out and get some rhythm with that, then hopefully I should be in for a good weekend."

Tied for second so far, although both having incomplete second rounds, are Sweden's Michael Jonzon and Scottish Jamie McLeary at nine under.

Meanwhile Joost Luiten, who held on to the lead overnight after the disrupted first day, was only able to play one hole of his second round to remain on seven under.

Defending champion Padraig Harrington didn't fare much better, scoring par on the three holes he was able to play.

Second round play resumed at 5:30pm local time (9:30am GMT).