YORK’S Simon Dyson today faced an uphill battle to remain in the French Open after a dismal opening round.

Dyson was lodged on two-over-par - nine shots shy of overnight leader America’s Kevin Stadler, who was one clear of the field after a seven-under 64.

Starting on the tenth hole, Dyson bogeyed the 17th only to return to level at midway with a birdie on the next hole.

But the inward nine brought calamity for the Malton & Norton GC player.

He double-bogeyed the par-five third and then birdies on seven and nine were wiped out by dropped shots on six and eight.