Finch recovers to make fine start in New Delhi

The Yorkshireman’s first-day effort left him just two shots behind Dutchman Robert-Jan Derksen, who set the pace with a bogey-free, six-under-par round of 66.

However, with half the field still to complete their first rounds – due to a three-and-a-half hour delay for fog – there could yet be a new name at the top when the second round begins later today.

The most likely candidate is Australian Darren Beck, who had advanced to five under par with five holes still to play when darkness fell. Also on five under in the clubhouse were Englishman Mark Foster and Argentina’s Julio Zapata.

Finch was among a six-strong group on four-under which included home players Jeev Milkha Singh and Rashid Khan.

Defending champion Andrew Dodt was level after seven holes.

Yorkshire pair Georgina Simpson (72) and Rebecca Hudson (74) trail Italian Giulia Sergas (64) in the New Zealand Open in Christchurch.