Matt Fitzpatrick was bogey-free and five shots under par through the 15th when play was suspended due to fading light at the DS Automobiles Italian Open after tee times were pushed back by one hour in the morning due to lightning.
“I played well in patches. I’ve been lucky off the tee probably three times today,” said the Englishman.
“Just had a lie and got myself back in position and made a par, which I feel like looking at the scoring over the day, pars have been good scores.
“So yeah, to be honest I’m taking my chances when I’ve had them, which is great. But just need to sharpen the driver.”
Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy started with a bogey at the par-4 11th and another at the par-3 17th offset by four birdies and an eagle at the par-4 3rd to close with a 4-under 67 and a share of second place alongside seven other players including England’s Eddie Pepperell and Scotland’s Scott Jamieson.
Play is set to resume at 7.30am on Friday.
