HEMPSTEAD: Donald Trump repeatedly clashed with Hillary Clinton during Monday's first presidential debate, interrupting her and appearing agitated at times as they tangled over the economy, her use of a private mail server and his unwillingness to release his income tax returns.

Clinton maintained an even demeanour, smiling indulgently when Trump turned aggressive.

Clinton and Trump engaged in a vigorous back-and-forth on the debate stage at Hofstra University as polls showed them locked in a tight race.

Given the wide interest in Trump, the business mogul and former reality TV star, and Clinton, the first woman to win the nomination of a major party, the debate was expected to draw a massive viewing audience.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump (L) speaks as Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton (R) listens during the Presidential Debate at Hofstra University on September 26 in Hempstead, New York. — AFP

Hillary Clinton speaks as she meets with campaign supporters after the first presidential debate with Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.— Reuters

Republican nominee Donald Trump gestures during the first presidential debate. — AFP

A television showing the US presidential debate is seen on an Arabic language channel in a store in the Queens borough of New York City.— Reuters

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton greets supporters during a debate-watch party.— AFP

Supporters of Hillary Clinton watch the first presidential debates during a Debate Watch Party at Jake's Sports & Spirits in Denver, Colorado. — AFP

(L-R) Republican nominee Donald Trump, Melania Trump, Ivanka Trump, Donald Trump Jr.'s wife Vanessa Trump, Eric Trumps wife Lara Yunaska, and Eric Trump look on from the stage after the first presidential debate.— AFP

Donald Trump kisses his wife Melania onstage as their daughter Ivanka (L) looks on.— Reuters

Melania Trump (L-R), the wife of Donald Trump, sits with his daughter Ivanka Trump, Republican vice presidential nominee Mike Pence and Pence's wife Karen Pence.— Reuters

Supporters of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump recite the Pledge of Allegiance prior to the presidential debate while gathering at the Colorado Republican Party's Adams County Victory Office. — AFP

Former President Bill Clinton kisses Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton as she and their daughter Chelsea Clinton greet supports during the presidential debate. — AP

Supporters of Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton watch the first presidential debates. — AFP

A journalist records a video from screen as Republican US presidential nominee Donald Trump speaks during the first presidential debate. — Reuters

A man watches the U.S. presidential debate while smoking a hookah in a restaurant in the Queens borough of New York City. — Reuters

Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and Republican nominee Donald Trump shake hands following the first presidential debate moderated by NBC host Lester Holt (bottom L). — AFP

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