THE top draw at the Barclays Singapore Open, world No. 2 Phil Mickelson, got off to a good start yesterday. The American lies joint-seventh after carding a two-under-par 69, following a rain-affected first round at Sentosa Golf Club's Serapong course.

The three-time Major winner is within striking range of leader Ian Poulter of England who is ahead by three shots. Both were among those who teed off in the morning and finished their 18 holes under sunny conditions.

But the afternoon half of the 156-strong field, which included marquee names like three-time Major champion Padraig Harrington of Ireland and two-time Singapore Open champion Adam Scott, had their play suspended at 2.15pm by a thunderstorm.

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