New Zealand’s Daniel Hillier [main picture] and his compatriot Yuki Miya, an amateur, secured the first-round lead in the New Zealand Open presented by Millbrook Resort this morning.

They were among the afternoon session unable to finish yesterday, following a three-hour delay to the start caused by inclement weather, but returned with a vengeance early today carding eight-under-par 63s.

Hillier, one of the favourites for the title, played the Coronets course here at Millbrook Resort in Queenstown, while Miya was on the Remarkables.

They were both bogey-free, with Hillier making birdie on four of the last six and Miya, on three of the last five. They are attempting to become the first Kiwis to win the title since Micheal Hendry in 2017.

They switch courses for today’s second round, which is already underway.

Australian Matias Sanchez, who finished as the clubhouse leader yesterday following a 64 on the Remarkables, is next best placed, while his countryman Curtis Luck also finished his round this morning and came in with a 65 on Coronets.

In joint fifth position are American Kevin Na, Wade Ormsby from Australia and Korean Doyeob Mun, following 66s.

Picture courtesy Photosport.