Joint overnight leader Martin Maritz shared second place with Elson after making steady progress to reach three under at the halfway stage on the west.

Heavy rain around the area meant that play had to be suspended at 1031 local time (8.31am Irish time), with almost half the field yet to tee off and a resumption not expected for at least another hour.

Elsewhere, Garth Mulroy (five under) and Tyrone Mordt (two under) were on 11 under in total through 12 and six holes respectively – both playing on the more difficult east course.

This week’s co-sanctioned European and Sunshine Tour event is being played over two courses on the first two days – the rounds are divided between the par-71 east and west courses, before the cut is made and the final two rounds are played on the east side.

Defending champion Charl Schwartzel had the joint-lowest score of the day thus far after racing to seven under with six holes still to play on the west side.

That put the world number 32 and highest-ranked player in the field on 10 under overall – the same as compatriot James Kingston, who was following an identical path today on the same 18 holes.

Northern Ireland’s Darren Clarke shot one under yesterday on the east, and after finishing 12 holes with playing partner Schwartzel, he had moved to three under for his round and four under overall.