Defending champion Sergio Garcia opened up a one-shot lead at a storm-hit Castello Masters on Thursday as Masters champion Angel Cabrera was disqualified without hitting a ball.
Cabrera, also the 2007 US Open winner, failed to make his tee-time after struggling to reach Europe from Bermuda.
As playing partners Martin Kaymer and Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano had already teed off, it meant the Argentinian had to be disqualified.
Garcia, who carded an eight-under 63, had been on the 17th hole when 40mph winds halted action for three hours before eventual darkness then meant half the field were unable to complete their first round.
Ryder Cup star Garcia has endured a tough season failing to finish in the top three at any event, falling from two to 10 in the world rankings.
But the 29-year-old Spaniard was in fine form on his hone course on Thursday.
He reached the turn in a six under 29 before holing a seven footer on the first, chipping to within three feet at the fourth and making a birdie on the eighth.
His only bogey came at the last.
"You never like to finish like that, but other than that it was pretty solid and I made some nice putts," said Garcia. "We get a wind like that only three or four days a year."
Sweden's Michael Jonzon is a shot behind with Jose Maria Olazabal and Emanuele Canonica a further shot back.
Kaymer returned from a foot injury to reach four under with six to play.
Copyright 2009  AFP Global Edition
