A SOLID opening round at the French Open boosted Eddie Pepperell’s hopes of making his first cut in four events on the European Tour.

The Abingdon golfer carded a level-par round of 71 to be among the top 30 at Le Golf National, which will host the 2018 Ryder Cup.

Starting on the back nine, Pepperell birdied the tenth and 15th, but dropped shots at the 12th and 17th halted his progress.

The 25-year-old, who has struggled for form in recent weeks, finished with ten successive pars.

Pepperell is five shots off the lead, held by Dane Lucas Bjerregaard, ahead of tomorrow’s second round, which he begins at 6.40am (BST).