More rain in Spain

Briton Simon Dyson (pictured) had played five holes of the third round and his fellow leaders Gregory Bourdy of France and Spain's Carlos Rodiles had played four when darkness closed in at Centro Nacional.

The players now face the prospect of returning to the course for an 0830 start (0730 BST) on Sunday.

Dyson, who had three birdies, Bourdy and Rodiles were on nine-under-par overall, a stroke better than Briton Nick Dougherty.

Seven players were two shots off the pace, including one of the second-round leaders, Stuart Little of Britain. A further 10 competitors were only three behind the leading trio.

The second round was not completed until Saturday afternoon and within 40 minutes of the third round starting a thunderstorm moved in to suspend play for two hours.

Sunday's weather forecast gave tournament officials hope that 72 holes would still be possible, with the fourth and final round due to finish at around 1800 local time.