YORK golfer Simon Dyson carded a level par first round of 71 in the Wales Open.

The 32-year-old was tied for 41st place in the European Tour event at Celtic Manor, the venue for October's Ryder Cup.

Having dropped a shot at the par four first hole, Dyson immediately clawed it back with a birdie at the par five second hole.

After a run of five consecutive pars, Dyson dropped a shot at the par four eighth to go into the turn at one over par.

He got back on an even keel with a birdie at the par five 11th hole and parred the remaining seven holes.

Chris Wood is leading the field after the opening day on six under.

* Keep up to date with Simon Dyson's progress on thepress.co.uk