Brier leads on European Tour

CASCAIS, Portugal, March 31 (UPI) -- Markus Brier shot a 6-under 65 Thursday that gave him the lead after one round of the Estoril Open de Portugal.

With many of Europe's top stars in the United States preparing for next week's Masters, Brier grabbed a two-shot advantage over Neil Cheetham, Titch Moore, Stephen Scahill and Mads Vibe-Hastrup.

There were 15 players still on the course when play was halted by darkness. The opening round was plagued by high winds.

After suffering an early bogey, Brier got his round going with three straight birdies beginning at the sixth.

Paul Broadhurst, Stephen Dodd, Barry Lane and Jonathan Lomas were tied for sixth at 68.