DESPITE the European Tour moving further east for the China Open, York-born Simon Dyson opted to compete in the Indonesian Masters, writes Tony Kelly.
And the world number 120 started his campaign in the event which is sanctioned only on the Asian Tour in fine style.
Dyson carded a three under-par 69 to be tied with nine other players for 11th place in an tournament that has also attracted the likes of former Open champions Darren Clarke and Ernie Els.
Dyson, who faded away only on the last day in the Ballantine’s Championship a week ago, got off to a hideous start when he double-bogeyed the par-four fifth.
But he rallied immediately with three birdies in the next four holes.
Another birdie was notched on the 14th before the highlight of his first round – an eagle two on the par-four 17th. That was only marred by a dropped shot on the last hole.
However, Dyson’s 69 kept him in touch with the joint leaders – South Korea’s Inn-choon Hwang and Scott Hend of Australia.
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