EDDIE Pepperell gave himself an excellent chance of making the cut with an impressive opening round at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

The Abingdon golfer carded a three-under par 69 to leave him tied for third.

After pars at the first 12 holes, the 29-year-old struck a birdie at the par-five 13th.

Birdies at the 15th and 17th followed, although the Frilford Heath member did drop a shot at the 16th.

Pepperell finished with a birdie at the 18th and tees off for his second round at the Emirates GC at 3.50am (GMT) tomorrow.