Much to be proud of despite final-day pain (From Gazette & Herald)

Much to be proud of despite final-day pain

SIMON Dyson let a six-shot lead slip in the BMW Asian Open in China last weekend - but the Malton and Norton ace's best ever European Tour finish has given him a superb chance of regaining his tour card.

The 26-year-old Ryedale star had a golden chance to gain his first win on Europe's elite tour at Shanghai's Tomson Golf Club, having stormed to 15 under par after three rounds (66, 69, 66).

But, after a poor final round of 76, he was overtaken by Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez, who shot 67 to finish 14 under, three clear of Dyson, who ended in second place.

Despite the disappointment, there were many positives for Dyson to draw on.

His runners-up spot netted him £93,408 in prize money, which sent him rocketing up the European Order of Merit to 41st place. He needs to finish in the top 115 to regain his card, which he lost last season.

His first and third-round 66s - equalled by Jimenez in his second round - were course records. His outward nine of just 30 on the third day featured five straight birdies on the trot.

The runners-up spot he achieved, finishing one clear of Thailand's Prayad Marksaeng, also secured him a place in the prestigious Deutsche Bank Open in Heidelberg, which starts tomorrow. It could also lead to further invites to big events this season.

His success represents a big transformation in fortunes for Dyson, who was only playing in his third tournament back after a prolonged absence due to a cracked elbow - his second major injury in less than 12 months.

Despite his last-round disappointment, his second place maintained his excellent record in the Far East. He won the Macau Open, the China Open and the Hong Kong Open en route to claiming the Asian Order of Merit title in 2000.

Malton and Norton professional Steve Robinson, who has been coaching Dyson at the club regularly since Christmas, was full of praise for the former Walker Cup player.

"He did fantastically well. He has as good as secured his tour card for next year and it's only May. He will have learnt things and this will stand him in good stead. These things are sent to test you."

He said the fact that Dyson had led for almost all the tournament could have taken its toll.

"To start and finish a tournament in the lead is hugely difficult. There's not 20 players in the world who wouldn't struggle with that. You are talking 72 hours of pressure."

And he believed his star pupil would eventually go on to win a European Tour event.

"It's no surprise that he's done well. He's been putting the work in and he's getting what he deserves. Along with Emma Duggleby (see below), they're both doing great. Simon's got the ability to go on from this and I believe he will win a European Tour event."

Jimenez claimed his third title of the season thanks to four birdies on the opening ten holes of the final round, followed by an eagle three at the 13th.

Behind him, Dyson picked up his fifth bogey at the greenside bunker on the 15th.

To his credit, Dyson stopped the rot with three pars to finish, which made sure he came second and secured just short of £100,000.

His father, John, who used to live in Malton, said: "He could have laid down and died, but he kept his head to finish with three pars. I admired him for that."

He said though his son felt disappointment on the final day, he was "absolutely over the moon" at having done so much to hopefully get his tour card back.

Updated: 12:38 Wednesday, May 19, 2004