AUSTRALIAN Wayne Riley grabbed a share of the first round lead with a six under par 66 before a gale forced play to be suspended at the Australian PGA championship in Sydney yesterday. Darren Clarke lies three shots off the pace on 69, and Paul McGinley is on 71.

Riley, who finished 16th on the European Tour money winning list this year, took full advantage on the benign early morning conditions at the New South Wales course.

But tournament organisers had to halt play in mid afternoon when strong winds began blowing balls off the greens as players stood over their putts.

Riley, who fired four birdies and an eagle, shared the lead with compatriot Bryan Roach. A group of four, including Briton Ben Jackson were two shots further back in joint third place.