YORK’S Simon Dyson was delighted after fighting back to claim a share of fifth place at the Spanish Open.

The 33-year-old closed with a four-under par round of 68 to finish on six-under, bouncing back from an opening round of 75.

Three birdies in the opening four holes at El Prat near Barcelona yesterday even gave Dyson an outside chance of snatching the title.

His challenge stalled slightly on the back nine, but he said: “I was three-over after the first day and a bit jet-lagged but I suddenly got my game in order.

“I played lovely yesterday and got off to a great start.

“There were some tough pins on the back nine and I couldn’t get close enough to make birdies.

“But coming here from Korea, I didn’t really have high expectations so I am pleased to be tied for fifth and be top ten in Spain again.”

The Malton & Norton Golf Club star was four shots adrift of winner Thomas Aiken, the South African who lifted his first European Tour title.

The event was inevitably overshadowed by the death of three-time winner Seve Ballesteros.

All the players wore black ribbons in memory of the Spanish superstar, and Dyson paid his tribute to the Ryder Cup legend.

“I am gutted, he was my idol,” he said.

“Everyone looked up to him. He’s been suffering for the last few years and maybe now he’s in a better place.”