Pernice leads rain-delayed Champions event

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BILOXI, Miss., March 23 (UPI) -- Tom Pernice Jr. played the first seven holes in 12-under Friday and had the lead when play was halted by darkness at the Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic.

The opening round of the event did not begin until 2:30 p.m. CDT due to heavy overnight rains. The Fallen Oak course has taken on 8 inches of rain during the past three days.

The entire property was so wet tournament officials did not allow any spectators onto the course during all of Friday's play.

Chien Soon Lu and David Eger were one shot off Pernice's lead when the action was halted. Lu had played 16 holes and Eger had finished 15.

Only 12 players completed play Friday. Peter Senior and Jim Carter both had a 5-under 67.