SHANGHAI, May 1 (Reuters) - Ernie Els edged closer to the BMW Asian Open title on Sunday as he surged to 22 under par but the world number three must wait until Monday to finish the job.
Heavy storms halted play for over three hours on Sunday morning before most players had even started the final round at the Tomson Shanghai Pudong Golf Club.
Els picked up three more birdies over the six holes he managed to complete in fading light to stretch his lead over Britain's Simon Wakefield to eight strokes.
The South African is chasing his 21st title on the European Tour.
Wakefield, 14 under after six holes, can virtually secure his European Tour card for next year if he finishes second.
Denmark's Thomas Bjorn was third on 12 under with Frenchman Jean-Francois Lucquin a further shot behind in fourth, both players having completed seven holes.
The $1.5 million tournament is jointly sanctioned by the European and Asian Tours.
Six-times major winner Nick Faldo suffered in the wet as he carded a closing 78 to finish on five over.
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