Karlberg leads Molinari in 1st round of Italian Open

With a walk-off birdie, Rikard Karlberg painted a 4-under-par 35-32=67 in his second round at the weather-delayed Italian Open and remained on course to defend the title after posting 11-under 131 at the midpoint, just two back of the lead.

Seeking his first European Tour win, Paisley shot an 8-under 63 to take a one-stroke lead into the third round later in the afternoon.

Nearly five hours were lost on Thursday at Golf Club Milano due to similar weather, with numerous early starters facing 36 holes on day two with only a short break between their first and second rounds.

Levy was five strokes off the pace at the halfway stage before making a blistering start to his third round, smashing his second to 12 feet and converting for eagle at the opening hole and following up with a birdie at the second.

Clubhouse leader Richard Green was one of just four players to complete their second rounds.

At one-over 143, he missed the cut, which fell at three-under.

Ryder Cup stars Danny Willett, Matthew Fitzpatrick and Martin Kaymer were among those affected as they all birdied the first before the hooter sounded to end the day due to darkness, while Andy Sullivan was level par after three holes.

Home favourite Francesco Molinari, Chris Hanson and Masters champion Willett are level with the former leader, but all have holes still to play in round three.

Westwood made two bogeys in his final three holes to miss the weekend and appeared at times to be struggling with an injury, which would be a major concern for Clarke with Henrik Stenson also on the sidelines.

It left England’s Chris Paisley top of the leaderboard on 10 under after reaching five under for his round through 13 holes.