R1 LEADERBOARD -8 A Atwal (Ind), M Hoey -7 M Cort, C Williams (SA) -6 S Barr (Aus), A Buckle (Aus), G Ghei (Ind), E Mizoguchi (Jpn), R Won (US), T Wiratchant (Tha) GB & Ire unless stated

Montgomerie is aiming to win the event in order to virtually make certain of a move into the world's top 50 and also a place in the Masters in April.

Arjun Atwal and Belfast's Michael Hoey are in the lead on eight under after firing course-record 62s.

Play was suspended because of the weather with 57 players yet to finish.

Hoey reached the turn on two-under but four birdies and an eagle in his final seven holes put him level with Atwal.

"I hope I can make an impact and find my way onto the European Tour," the 26-year-old said afterwards.

Leicester's Matthew Cort is one shot off the lead after a 63, together with South African Chris Williams.

Starting his round on the 10th, Montgomerie bogeyed the 12th but recovered with birdies at 17 and 18.

Further birdies followed at the third and sixth and although he bogeyed the eighth, Montgomerie bounced back with a four at the par-five ninth.

Second place may be good enough for Montgomerie, but a spot at Augusta would then hinge on results from The Players Championship in Sawgrass.

Montgomerie started the year in 81st place in the world rankings, but an impressive start to the season has left the 41-year-old Scot in 54th place.