DAVID Howell’s Oman Open progress was halted yesterday as windy weather brought an early end to play on day two.

Relatively calm conditions had allowed for some good scoring in the very early stages at Al Mouj Golf but the winds picked up, bringing sand with them, and play was suspended at 11:38 – with Howell due to start two hours later.

The situation was monitored but the winds never dropped to a level where play could be resumed, and the second round will restart at 07:40 on Saturday.

Howell remains three-over in the competition after recording a triple bogey on the ninth – his final hole – on day one of the competition.

Dane Joechim Hansen leads the competition after a four-under display during a 16-hole round yesterday.

American Kurt Kitayama was also at six under through 13 holes, but was in trouble at the par three fifth, having found water off the tee just before the hooter sounded.

Only 11 players were able to complete their rounds and among them was Maximilian Kieffer, who signed for a 70 to hold the clubhouse lead at five under.