EDDIE Pepperell continued his rich vein of form with a superb opening round at the Italian Open today.

The Abingdon golfer, who has secured four top-seven finishes in his last five outings, finished on seven-under-par and a share of the lead in Milan.

Pepperell made a superb start, picking up three shots in the opening five holes.

A bogey at eight was followed by another birdie at nine, and he picked up a further shot at the 11th.

An eagle three at the 14th saw the Frilford Heath member shoot up the leaderboard, before another birdie at 17 saw him move to a share of first place.

Pepperell tees off at 6.50am tomorrow morning.