Monsoon weather hits European
Challenge tournament in France

From STEVE TODD, Challenge Tour Press Officer
Argentine Gustavo Rojas seized the early lead on the first day of the inaugural AGF-Allianz EurOpen de Lyon after heavy rain severely limited play today.
Flooding at the Golf du Gouverneur caused by 65mm of rain – almost the entire average July rain fall for Monthieux, France - meant that only half of the field made it out on to the course, with the afternoon groups sent home.
After an initial 4hr delay saw the first groups tee off at 11.30hrs local time (10.30hrs BST), only 58 minutes of play happened before the torrential downpours began again.
Play was then suspended until 18.00hrs (17.00hrs BST) while the course took a battering from the heavens. Once the players eventually emerged again to sunshine, it was European Challenge Tour veteran Rojas who took advantage to move to six under par after 12 holes.
The 40 year old, who has one Challenge Tour win to his name at the Open dei Tessali in 1999, reached the 12th hole without dropping a shot, picking up six birdies along the way.
Finland’s Roope Kakko and England’s Matthew Morris were a shot off the pace on five under par after the same number of holes along with Ireland’s Colm Moriarty, who had played nine holes.
The first round will be completed on Friday.