MALTON golfer Simon Dyson has found a home from home in China and as if to prove his point he continued to set the pace in the BMW Asian Open in Shanghai today.

The first round overnight leader followed his course-record 66 with a three-under round of 69 to hold a two-shot advantage over Jimenez and Ireland's Paul McGinley going in to today's third round.

As leader, Dyson was the last man to tee off today with Spain's Ryder Cup star Miguel Angel Jiminez.

The North Yorkshireman was quick to increase his advantahge with three birdies in the first six holes to go 12 under - four strokes ahead of Jiminez, Thailand's Prayad Marksaeng and Lian-Wei Zhang , of China.

Dyson, 26, has so far enjoyed remarkable success in China, winning the Macau Open, the China Open and the Hong Kong Open en route to claiming the Asian Order of Merit in 2000 and that form looks like continuing.

Despite struggling to one over at the turn in yesterday's second round, four birdies on the back nine took him to three under for the day and back into the lead at nine under over night.

Dyson attributed his success in Asia to the atmosphere which pervades the further reaches of the European Tour.

"I feel a lot more at home in Asia. I feel it is more relaxed out here than it is back home in Europe," he said.

"It's like dog eat dog in Europe. I played in Asia in 2000 and got my card in Europe for the 2001 season.

"This is where I started and all my friends are out here. I love coming back. I enjoy the courses and everyone makes you feel so welcome - some back in Europe don't."

Dyson is in his third tournament since returning to action after cracking a bone in his arm at the Caltex Masters in Singapore in March but he says he is feeling fine.

"I had it at a 90 degree angle for about three weeks and just couldn't move it at all," he added.

"About four weeks later it was fine. This is my third tournament back and I haven't felt any side effects. It still feels a bit weak but it doesn't hurt, that's the main thing."

McGinley is another easing his way back into the swing of things after an injury-enforced absence, although his knee has not slowed him down so far.

And his promising start at the Tomson Golf Club has raised his hopes of qualifying for this year's Ryder Cup.

Updated: 10:28 Saturday, May 15, 2004