Play on day one of the European Men's Club Trophy was cancelled due to heavy rain and unplayable course conditions at Golf du Médoc Resort, meaning the championship would be reduced to 36 holes (instead of the usual 54) and round one would take place on Friday.
Stuttgarter Golf Club Solitude took the early lead. Michael Hirmer carded a five-under-par 66, while his teammate, Benedikt Thalmayr returned a score of 70 (-1) to leave the German club on -6.
They will take a four-shot lead into Saturday's final round over defending champions, Racing Club de France La Boulie. Hugo Rouillon shot a 76 (+5) for the French Club, but Raphael Le Bot carded the lowest round of the day, a seven-under-par 64, to ensure the seven-times champions remained well in contention on -2.
Terre Blanche, this year's French national champions, are one shot further back in third position on -1, while City of Newcastle Golf Club, champions of England, are six shots behind the leaders on level-par.
18 holes on Saturday remain to decide who will be crowned 2019 European men's club champions.