YORK’S Simon Dyson was revelling in a Chinese breakaway after a sizzling start to the Volvo China Open.

The 36-year-old finished the first day with a share of the lead after posting a five-under-par 67 alongside Spain’s Alvaros Quiros.

It was a happy return to the event for Dyson, who won it in his rookie professional year 14 years ago before it became co-sanctioned by The European Tour.

Now, the world 187 who, like his co-leader, has six European Tour titles under his belt, is looking to become the first player to capture the title twice.

Despite bogeying the first hole, Dyson responded with a stunning six birdies at the Genzon club in Shenzhen province.

Enthused the Malton & Norton GC ace: “It was some of the best I (have) played for quite some time.

“I really didn’t miss a shot. I missed two fairways just, and didn’t miss a green so gave myself a lot chances which is always nice.

“Then I managed to make a couple of birdies on the other side for a tidy five under. It was a good start and very pleasing.”

Dyson revealed his stunning form took him by surprise after a dismal outing in the pro-am the day before the first round.

He added: “I was absolutely horrendous in the pro-am. I just went on the range for a couple of hours and managed to find something which I took out on to the course and it seemed to work for me.”

Dyson also said explained how any success on Genzon GC’s 18th would be a fitting finish to a round, and possibly the tournament on Sunday.

“I’ll tell you what – it is an unbelievable finishing hole,” he said.

“If you need to make par on that hole to win on Sunday and you manage to get it done then you will deserve everything you get because it is a very tough finish.

“I have had a bit of success here and really enjoy playing in China. Obviously I have won this tournament before so that always gives you a good feeling and like I said, hopefully I can continue to do that over the next three days.”

Dyson and Quiros were one clear of English rookie Tyrell Hatton and Spanish Challenge Tour graduate Adrian Otaegui, who both compiled rounds of 68.