STEVE ELKINGTON of Australia, returning to the scene of his greatest achievement, moved to the top of the leaderboard, shooting a four under par 67 in the first round of the Nissan Open golf tournament at the Riviera course in California yesterday.

Elkington, who won the US PGA Championship at Riviera last August, shares the lead with Craig Stadler and Robert Wrenn. Scott Simpson, Chip Beck and David Toms are a shot back with 68s. Fred Couples, Lanny Wadkins, Kirk Triplett and Steve Stricker are two back at 69.