Christian Nilsson leads with opening 65

The 38-year-old Swede, still looking for his first European Tour victory, had a bogey-free round with seven birdies to lead Frenchman Jean-Baptiste Gonnet by a stroke.

England's Sam Little and Gary Murphy of Ireland were tied for third at five-under.

After a week of glorious sunshine, rain began to fall on Thursday morning at the Moscow Country Club in suburban Nakhabino.

Rain intensified in the afternoon and play was suspended for more than three hours when the course became waterlogged.

Several players were unable to complete play and, weather permitting, will have to finish their round on Friday. The forecast, though, is for more rain.

Despite the nasty weather, Nilsson, ranked number 146 in Europe, was satisfied with his opening-day performance.

"I'm very pleased with that, I hit most of the greens and fairways and played very steadily," he said.

"I made a few putts as well so it was a great round for me.

"I played here last year and I like the course very much, it's great," added the Swede, who is coached by Henri Reis, who also looks after women's former world number one Anika Sorenstam.

"Today's weather wasn't good but the course stood up pretty well, it's not that wet out there so I like it very much."