Garcia tied for lead as weather again interrupts Iskandar Johor Open play

JOHOR BAHRU, Malaysia -- Sergio Garcia of Spain stood atop the leaderboard when play was called for darkness Friday night in the second round of the weather-interrupted Iskandar Johor Open. Garcia, ranked No. 20 in the world, was at 9 under through 12 holes as storms halted play for the second straight day in the season-ending event on the Asian Tour.

A total of 117 players will return at 7.30 a.m. Saturday at the Horizon Hills Golf and Country Club after inclement weather forced two suspensions.

First-round leader David Lipsky of the United States has yet to tee off in his second round, yet is tied with Garcia after he posted a 9-under 63 on Thursday.

“It was good. It has been a long day but it has been quite positive,” said Garcia, who is the highest ranked player in the field. "I did well before and after the breaks, so overall it is what it is. You got to realize that the weather is like this and you got to deal with it.
 
“I just hope I can keep going in the right direction and see what happens,” added Garcia, who had a 68 in the first round. “Hopefully we will get lucky and can get all four rounds in.”

Garcia got in only three holes on Thursday, but carded 10 birdies and a bogey in the 27 holes he played Friday.

Multiple major winner Ernie Els was 4 under through 12 holes of his second round after carding a 69 in the first.
 
Australia's Marcus Fraser took a slight lead in the Asian Tour Order of Merit race with a 70, while his main rival Thaworn Wiratchant was a shot back after his opening 71. Neither player has begun his second round yet.