DAVID Howell was back on par before the elements put paid to play at the Turkish Airlines Open today.

The Swindon star, who shot a one-under-par round on the opening day of play at the Montgomerie Maxx Royal in Belek yesterday, was one over after 12 holes on Friday before the wind and rain forced the action to be halted just after 10am UK time.

Tee times had initally been brought forward by 90 minutes on Friday morning and Howell, 39, bogied the sixth and ninth before reducing the deficit on the back nine, carding birdies on both the tenth and 11th before he bogied again on the 12th.

On Thursday, the first day of the penultimate European Tour event of the season, the Broome Manor pro racked up four birdies on his way to an opening round of 71.

Ian Poulter currently leads the Turkish Open leaderboard, with the English Ryder Cup star scoring a sublime eight-under in his first round and reaching five-under before the weather told.

The second round is due to resume at 6am GMT on Saturday.