Molinari shares the lead at BMW International Open, McKibben in touch

Ryder Cup vice-captain Edoardo Molinari claimed a share of the clubhouse lead in the first round of the BMW International Open.

Molinari carded eight birdies and two bogeys at Golfclub Munchen Eichenried to card a six-under-par 66 which was matched by France's Adrien Saddier and Japan's Rikuya Hoshino.

Play was suspended for the day shortly before 7pm local time due to the threat of lightning, with 27 players yet to complete their rounds.

"I think it's a very good opening round," Molinari said.

"I'm a little bit disappointed to be honest because I hit the ball fantastic tee-to-green, but putting, again, wasn't good at all. You can't complain with a six under so I'll take it, move on and try to improve the putting.

"I think it's important to have a fast start here. I bogeyed 10 (his first hole) this morning so I was immediately on the back foot and then I managed to make some birdies pretty soon.

"I gave myself chances on almost every hole and could've been a lot lower, but, six under, take it and move on."

Home favourites Max Kieffer, Marc Hammer and Thomas Rosenmueller were part of a six-strong group on five under, which also included France's Romain Langasque, who drove the green on the 319-yard 16th hole to set up an eagle from just two feet.

Ireland's Tom McKibbin, who won his maiden DP World Tour title in the Porsche European Open three weeks ago, lay two shots off the lead after a 68 matched by Scotland's Scott Jamieson.

Ryder Cup hopeful Yannik Paul, who currently occupies one of the automatic qualifying places for Luke Donald's European side, was forced to withdraw before the start of play with a back injury.

Donald was two over par after four holes, but the former world number one fought back to card a two-under-par 70.