Pepperell pleased after taking Mauritius lead

Hat-trick of birdies fires former winner on tour into first-round lead

Eddie Pepperell lines up a putt on the 18th green on day one of the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open at Mont Choisy Le Golf. Picture: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

Englishman Eddie Pepperell saved his best until last as a birdie hat-trick at the end of his first round saw him lead the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open by one shot after 18 holes.

Early starter Jacob Skov Olesen had led for most of the day after carding an eagle and three birdies in his sparkling 67 to reach five under par.