Both players had withdrawn from the European Tour event in Muscat on medical grounds on Wednesday.

Gagli was tested for the virus after exhibiting flu-like symptoms and room-mate Molinari was moved to another hotel room.

When Gagli's test came back negative the Italian pair, who had been replaced by Joel Sjoholm and Louis De Jager, were added to the field and sent out together at 13:30 local time.

Gagli completed 17 holes in three-under par and Molinari was two under when play was suspended due to darkness with another three players yet to complete their opening rounds.

"Still shocked by what happened in the last 36 hours. I am absolutely fine and so is my good friend Lorenzo." – Edoardo Molinari

Queenslander Scott Hend was also on two under after his round of 70, with compatriot Travis Smyth a shot further back.

In a statement on Twitter, Molinari wrote: "Still shocked by what happened in the last 36 hours. I am absolutely fine and so is my good friend Lorenzo."

Another Italian, Guido Migliozzi, holds the clubhouse lead on six under par following a bogey-free 66, with Brandon Stone, Rasmus Hojgaard and Taehee Lee on five under.

Migliozzi, who won twice last season, said: "It's a very good start to the tournament, a 66 and a bogey-free round.

"This is a tricky course because the greens are tough and tight, and there are a lot of things which need your attention like the wind and the release of the ball."