McIlroy well placed in Boston

Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy and England’s Brian Davis finished the first round one shot off the lead at the Deutsche Bank Championship in Boston where the effects of Hurricane Earl forced a one-hour delay in play.

The pair struck seven-under-par 64s to form part of a group of eight players tied for second behind joint first-round leaders Zach Johnson – a favourite for one of the wild card places on the United States Ryder Cup team – and Jason Day on eight under.

Tiger Woods finished the day one over par in an event which is the second part of the FedEx Cup play-off series, while England’s Paul Casey and Scotland’s Martin Laird were well placed on five under.

Tee-off times in Massachusetts were brought forward and precautions were being taken to avoid damage if the hurricane hit.

The edge of the storm, which was making its way up the east coast of the United States, brought lightning with it, forcing s 65-minute suspension.

McIlroy’s round featured five birdies and an eagle and Davis was level with McIlroy after closing with an eagle three, added to five birdies.

The other players on seven under were Americans Ryan Moore, Ryan Palmer, Hunter Mahan, Charley Hoffman and DJ Trahan and Australian Geoff Ogilvy.