PERTH: Little-known New Zealander Michael Hendry and Spaniard Alejandro Canizares grabbed the first round lead at the Perth International on Thursday as the swirling winds left Charl Schwartzel and Jason Dufner six shots off the pace.

Hendry and Canizares fired seven-under-par 65s at the $2million European Tour event at Lake Karrinyup with Englishman Paul Casey amongst the chasing pack after a 67.

Canizares was a late entry for the Perth event after only deciding to compete following his missed cut in Portugal last week.

“I played pretty steady the whole round and gave myself plenty of chances,” the Spaniard told reporters after his bogey free round.

Argentina’s Emiliano Grillo was one shot back of the leaders after a firing a 66 with Casey and compatriot Andrew Johnston tied for fourth.

Casey showed no signs of his recent struggles for form as he continues to battle back from a dislocated shoulder suffered in a snowboarding accident last year.

Reuters