Defending champion Sergio Garcia defied swirling winds to grab the clubhouse lead at the Castello Masters before gusts of 40mph caused a suspension of the first round.

Garcia, playing in his home event, carded an eight-under-par 63, after being within tantalising distance of a 59 at one stage.

The Ryder Cup star was on six-under 29 at the turn with further birdies at the first and fourth.

However, pars followed on the next three holes as the high winds started to cause real problems.

Sweden's Michael Jonzon was a shot further back on seven-under-par 64.

England's David Horsey and Italian Emanuele Canonica were two off the pace, with Spaniards Jose Maria Olazabal and Pablo Martin four under.