France`s Adrian Saddier leads EPGA in Agadir

Agadir: France`s Adrian Saddier headed the field by one shot after Thursday`s opening round of the European Tour`s Trophee Hassan II.

On only his second European Tour start, Saddier chipped in for an eagle on Golf du Palais Royal`s first hole, and then added five birdies in a flawless seven-under-par 65.

It left him one clear of England`s Daniel Gaunt, who had a hat-trick of birdies from the 15th before bogeying the last in a 66.

South African George Coetzee, one of a number of players in the field needing a big week to qualify for next month`s Masters Tournament, Scotland`s David Drysdale and England`s Chris Wood all lie two off the pace on five-under.

"I`m very happy - I was very grateful to get an invite to play here," said Saddier.

"This place is just unbelievable. I played very solid today - I had a chip in for eagle on the first then another chip in on six, so it was a great start and I kept it going.

"I just have a little category on The European Tour so I will be focused on The Challenge Tour this year.

"I played last week in Madeira and although the tournament was cancelled I was playing well in the strong wind so I`m in good shape for this week.

"It`s almost my best round; I shot 64 in Qatar last year, which was eight under, so this is one of my best rounds.

"If I could get a win it would change my schedule as at the moment I`m playing on the Challenge Tour - I just need to focus on each shot now and see what happens."