Frenchman Victor Perez and India's S Chikkarangappa both shot rounds of 64 to share the first-day lead in the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open at Anahita.
Perez carded nine birdies and one bogey as he and Chikkarangappa eclipsed early clubhouse leader Jaco Van Zyl.
South African Van Zyl posted a 65, and was joined on that score by American Kurt Kitayama and Japan's Masahiro Kawamura.
England's Lee Slattery, meanwhile, eagled the 18th to card a 67 and hold a tie for sixth place with six other players.
Australia's Travis Smyth is in a group sharing 13th place on four under after shooting a round of 68.
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Two-time major winning South African Ernie Els, who designed the Four Seasons course, opened with a 3-under 69 as did defending champion Dylan Frittelli to share a tie for 22nd place.
