It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The people should be led in prayer by their best reciter of the Book of Allah. If they are equal in recitation, then the one most knowledgeable of the Sunnah. If they are equal in the Sunnah, then the one oldest in age. No one should be led in prayer within the area of his authority, nor should anyone sit in his place of honour except with his permission."
Hadith Referenceالمعجم الكبير للطبراني / باب العين / 14675