Mallorca Classic:Robert-Jan Derksen of The Netherlands and France's Jean-Francois Lucquin shared the clubhouse lead in the weather-hit Mallorca Classic at Pula Golf Club, with 54 players unable to complete their second rounds because of the knock-on effect of Thursday's thunderstorm.

Derksen, a two-time winner on the European Tour, and Lucquin shot five-under-par 65s for nine-under-par totals of 131.

The pair lead by three shots from Ireland's Peter Lawrie and Denmark's Mads Vibe-Hastrup, a recent first-time winner in Madrid.

Former European Tour rookie of the year Lawrie is still searching for his first victory and is also targeting a top-three finish to qualify for next week's season-ending Volvo Masters at Valderrama.

The 33-year-old Dubliner returned to action recently after four weeks off around the birth of his second daughter, Amelia, and admitted: "It certainly hampers your golf in some ways, but it's very rewarding and we are both delighted.

"I played lovely last week and that's why I'm here really. I promised my wife, Philippa, I wouldn't be away for too many weeks in a row, but there's a chance to qualify for Valderrama so here I am."

Lawrie had four birdies in a first nine of 32 but failed to pick up any shots in a back nine of 36.

Pre-tournament favourite Sergio Garcia, first, second and second in his three appearances in the event, was three under par after nine holes of his second round when play was suspended.

A total of 60 players finished their rounds, but the remaining 54 players return at 8.45 this morning to complete their second rounds.

The third round will commence at noon from two tees after the halfway cut has been made.

Derksen has missed just three cuts in 27 events this season but would swap such consistency for a return to the winning form that brought him victories in the Dubai Desert Classic in 2003 and Madeira Island Open in 2005.

"If the Tour gave out awards for consistency it would be great but unfortunately it doesn't work like that," said Derksen, who was second in the Russian Open in August, six shots behind winner Per-Ulrik Johansson. "I've been very consistent all season and to top it off with a win would be great."

Meanwhile, West Ham fan Sam Little believes it will be a "Great Escape" to eclipse that of the Hammers in the Premier League last season if he can keep his European Tour card.

All looked lost for the Londoner three weeks ago when he lay outside the top 170 on the Order of Merit with only three events left to climb into the 118 and avoid an immediate return to the qualifying school.

But the 32-year-old was then joint seventh in the Madrid Open to qualify for the following week's Portugal Masters and, after finishing 34th there, now finds himself in a share of fifth place.

He needs to still be inside the top 10 when the tournament finishes tomorrow evening - weather permitting - to secure his card, and at least has a fighting chance after rounds of 66 and 69 gave him a five-under-par halfway total of 135.

"I'm looking at eighth or ninth place to be absolutely certain, but I'll just try and win it and if I finish second then I'll take it," said Little, who kept his card by just €600 in 2005 but lost it last season and had to win it back at the qualifying school.

"At least it's in my own hands and I've given myself a chance to compete.

"I didn't play that well today but my putting has been really good and I managed to get it round.

"It was looking grim a few weeks ago but seventh in Madrid got me into Portugal and I played solidly there.

"It will be a great escape if I can pull it off, even better than West Ham, but if not I'll have to go back to the tour school."