DAVID Howell was left frustrated by the weather at the Italian Open for a second day running.

The Swindon ace saw his opening round split over two days at Golf Club Milano, where he recorded a solid one-under-par on Friday morning.

The 41-year-old was quickly back out for his second round and charged up the leaderboard before rain and the threat of thunderstorms saw the play suspended forcing the round two into Saturday.

In his opening round in Monza, Howell got himself off to a flying start with birdies on the par-five first and par-three third holes and things levelled out for the 41-year-old from there as he went par through the next five holes.

However, the two-time Ryder Cup winner suffered hiccups immediately before and after the halfway stage, bogeying the par-five ninth before also required four strokes to complete the par-three 10th.

Howell did manage to steady his ship and chipped away at his score with his third and fourth birdies of the day on the par-five 14th and par-four 17th.

However, one final bump in the road lay in waiting for the Broome Manor ace as he completed the par-four 18th in five shots to leave him tied 69th.

On his return for the second round, starting from the 10th tee, Howell made the perfect start once again picking up birdies on his opening two holes.

With pars on 12 and 13, Howell picked up another shot on 14 and again 17 as he turned for home.

He then picked up pars on holes one, two and three before the rain and the threat of thunderstorms brought play to a premature end with Howell sitting tied 19th with a score of five-under overall with six more holes of his second round still to play.

Play is set to resume 6.30am (BST) on Saturday.