Pair Hold First Round Cushion - 03/12/2007

KIERAN STAUNTON and Simon Robinson share the lead following the first round of The Golf Pages Classic at Mollington Grange GC in Chester.

Robinson (pictured), a double winner on the PGA EuroPro Tour earlier this summer, put himself on course for a third triumph with a flawless opening round.

He shot six birdies in his round to move out to -6, a scoreline matched by Staunton in an impressive first day which included eight birdies in total, along with two bogeys.

Dean Barnes and Martin Sell, who have both been in good form recently, are a shot behind the duo after firing rounds of 65 on Wednesday.

Australian John Wade announced his return to action with a four-under-par 66, which was matched by New Zealand's Richard Squire and Englishman Neil Price.

Stephen Pullan, Michael Searle and Ricky Elliott sit on -3, with previous PGA EuroPro Tour winners David Fisher and Andrew Willey among six players a further stroke adrift.