Scotland's Kelsey MacDonald was one shot off the clubhouse lead but it proved a disappointing opening day for Australia's sole entrant Whitney Hillier, who was three-over par after just seven holes before the torrential rains came and ended play early.

Australian youngster Steph Kyriacou flew home early so missed the last event of the season but her 29-year-old compatriot Hillier had a torrid start, recording a double bogey on the 2nd hole and a bogey on the 4th.

"I played really well because the whole front nine was tough," said a delighted Nuutinen.

"We warmed up in the dark and I was 50 percent sure we wouldn't be able to play but then we ended up getting out on time so I felt like I didn't have much time to think about it.

"I just went out there and now I signed my scorecard, I realised I shot five-under par!"

Ladies European Tour Order of Merit winner Emily Pedersen, seeking a third successive victory, was two-under par after 10 holes when play was suspended.