TWO dropped shots on the back nine cost Eddie Pepperell dear in the opening round of the HNA Open de France today.

The Abingdon golfer was in good shape after birdies at the third and fifth holes at the European Tour event held at Le Golf National course, near Paris.

Pepperell had climbed to just outside the top ten following his promising start, only to fall away with a disappointing finish.

A bogey five at the 13th saw him slip to one-under, before a frustrating dropped shot at the final hole meant he finished his round on level par.

Pepperell is five shots off the lead.