Tom Mc Kibbin held a one-shot lead at the Husqvarna British Masters before play was suspended on opening day at The Belfry due to stormy weather. The first lightning delay came just two minutes after tee-off at 7.30am, causing a three-hour suspension. Play resumed at 10.32am but was halted again after midday due to flooded bunkers, keeping players off the course for four more hours.

A final resumption at 4.15pm allowed early groups to progress before thunder and lightning ended play at 7.11pm. None of the groups completed their first rounds, with half of the 156-player field yet to tee off. Northern Ireland's Mc Kibbin had completed 13 holes in five-under par, leading by one shot from England's Joe Dean and Spain's Nacho Elvira.

Starting from the 10th hole, he birdied the 15th, 17th, and 18th holes before gaining further shots at the first and third. Mc Kibbin, a one-time DP World Tour winner, is playing due to the cancellation of LIV Golf's Team Championship in Michigan. Fellow LIV golfer Tyrrell Hatton was also affected.

The event is the first qualifying round for the 2027 European Ryder Cup team, with Captain Luke Donald one-under through 14 holes. The first round resumes Friday at 7.30am, with remaining groups teeing off from 8am to 10am. Round two will not start before 1.45pm.

Tournament director Ben Groutage said they will stay out as long as weather permits.