EVIAN, France (AFP) - The first round of the Evian Championship - the fifth and final major of the women's golf season - was suspended on Thursday after the course became unplayable owing to heavy rain.

The start was delayed by two hours and only 47 minutes of play was possible before a torrential downpour again forced a halt.

When play was called off for the day, American Cindy LaCrosse was at the top of the leader board on one under par after a birdie at the first hole.