FIRST ROUND LEADERBOARD GB & Ire unless stated -8 M A Jimenez (Spa) -7 T Wiratchant (Tha) -6 J Bickerton, R Finch, G Houston, A Le Vesconte (Aus), F Molinari (Ita), G Murphy -5 G Simpson (Aus), F Widmark (Swe) Selected others: -3 P Harrington

Jimenez, who had one hole left when darkness descended on Thursday, carded an eight-under-par 64, one better than Thailand's Thaworn Wiratchant.

England's Richard Finch, Wales' Garry Houston, Ireland's Gary Murphy and Italy's Francesco Molinari are one shot further back in a tie for third.

Ireland's Padraig Harrington, in his first start of the year, carded a 69.

A total of 63 players were called in early to complete their opening rounds on Friday.

Ryder Cup hero Jimenez parred the 18th hole after missing a chance for a birdie four, and was only denied a new record for the West Course at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club because preferred lies are in place this week.

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Wiratchant, the Asian Tour Order of Merit winner, fired eight birdies in his 65 and was safely in the clubhouse before lightning, followed by a heavy downpour, brought the players off the course on Thursday.

"This is a good start for me," said the Thai. "This is my best round this year."

Harrington had a promising start with three birdies - at the 12th, 17th and 18th - but could not capitalise and played the next nine holes in regulation.