AN eagle at the par five opening hole gave David Howell the perfect start in the EMAAR-MGF Indian Masters in Delhi this morning.

The Swindon star also birdied the other par five on the opening nine, but three bogeys saw him reach the turn in level par.

Howell was tied for 39th as he embarked on his back nine, four shots behind Thomas Bjorn and home favourite Shiv Kapur, the joint club house leaders on four under.

Log on later for full details of Howell's opening round.