Golfers at the Australian Open have complained of painful eyes as toxic smoke from bushfires around Sydney affected the opening round.

Sydney's air quality index registered on a par with Beijing, forcing New Zealand golfer Ryan Chisnall, who is asthmatic, to don a face mask.

Smoke has blown over from huge fires that have raged for more than a month.

The tournament is taking place at The Australian Golf Club, five miles south of Sydney's central business district.

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