Australians Matt Griffin, Brad Kennedy and former PGA Tour winner Andre Stolz each shot six-under-par 65 to share the first-round lead in the US$1 million Midea China Classic, OneAsia's eighth event of the year.

Andre Stolz.

Fellow Australians Stephen Dartnall and Steve Jeffress both carded a 66 at Royal Orchid International Golf Club in Shunde, south of Guangzhou.

China's Wu Kangchun, Shenzhen-based American C.J. Gatto and Aussies Stephen Allan, Henry Epstein and Matthew Millar are a further shot behind.

Defending champion Liang Wenchong of China shared 11th place after a 68 over the 6,893-yard Nick Faldo design.