Woods in hunt as Stadler leads rain-hit Barclays

First round leaders:-7 K Stadler-6 R Palmer-6 H Stenson (Swe)-6 C Villegas (Col)-5 J Day (Aus)-5 M KucharJERSEY CITY. Unheralded American Kevin Stadler shined in the gloom of a storm-hit day, shooting a seven-under 64 to emerge the surprise clubhouse leader after the opening round of the Barclays tournament on Thursday.World number one Tiger Woods lurked three strokes back, with the opening event of the FedExCup playoffs stalled for more than six hours by heavy lightning and two rain delays.Some 63 players, including British Open winner Phil Mickelson and Masters champion Adam Scott, were unable to complete their rounds and face an early start on Friday and another long day.The 33-year-old Stadler, winless on the PGA Tour, made the most of his chances, however, registering seven birdies in a bogey-free round at Liberty National where bright sunshine eventually replaced the dark, stormy skies across the harbor from downtown Manhattan.Tied for second on six-under were Sweden’s Henrik Stenson, Colombia’s Camilo Villegas and American Ryan Palmer, with Australian Jason Day and another American in Matt Kuchar a further shot adrift.Woods, who began his long day at the 10th hole, reached four-under by adding a birdie at the par-three fourth after his run of three straight birdies was interrupted by the second weather delay.The playoffs points leader, who has already won five tournaments this season, parred his last five holes for 67 and was satisfied after a grueling day.“I’m actually tired,” Woods told reporters. “I got up at four this morning and I think it took us, from start to finish just under 11 hours for the day. Long day. “I’m only three back. We have a long way to go.”