Arjun Atwal fires course record to lead AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open

Arjun Atwal fired a course record to open up a four-shot lead at the Mauritius Open, as Louis Oosthuizen made a strong start.

The EurAsiaCup captain, who only arrived late on Wednesday after a 16-hour journey from Kuala Lumpur, struck seven birdies and an eagle on his way to a nine-under 62 at the Heritage Golf Club.

Sebastian Heisele, Ockie Strydom, Louis de Jager, Miguel Tabuena and Adilson da Silva share second spot on five under, with pre-tournament favourite Oosthuizen a further shot back.

"I had no practice round and went straight on the first tee," Atwal said. "I'm pleased and shocked. I took a very long route coming here. I was tired and I didn't really expect anything.

"Sometimes when you don't expect much, you get a lot out of it. I found it pretty tough out there but I didn't make any mistakes and I had a hot putter."

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Atwal opened with back-to-back birdies and added successive gains from the sixth to reach the turn in 31, before picking up a shot at the 10th and making an eagle at the 14th to top the leaderboard.

The Indian drained a 20-footer at the 16th and knocked in a close-range gain at the last to extend his advantage, while Oosthuizen is part of a group five off the pace after mixing five birdies an eagle in his opening-round 67.

Oosthuizen is joined on four under by former champion George Coetzee and England's Laurie Canter, while former Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke struggled to a five-over 76.

Watch the Mauritius Open throughout the week live on Sky Sports Golf. Live coverage continues on Friday from 6.30am.

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