QUITO, Aug 20 (Reuters) – Leftist candidate Luisa Gonzalez and surprise challenger, business scion Daniel Noboa, won the first round of Ecuador's presidential election, beating out six rivals in a race clouded by the murder of anti-graft candidate Fernando Villavicencio.

Gonzalez, a protege of former President Rafael Correa who has promised to revive his social programs, was tallying 33% support, with more than 70% of ballot boxes counted, according to figures from the National Electoral Council.

Ecuador leftist Gonzalez, businessman Noboa set to go to second round comes via ChinaTechNews.com.