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SIMON Dyson enjoyed one of the best rounds of his career to storm into contention at the Singapore Open on Friday, the Briton's flawless four-under 67 earning him a share of the lead halfway through the second round.
As the threat of lightning suspended play for the second successive day, the 30-year-old was safely in the clubhouse after 36 holes tied for the lead with South Africa's Ernie Els on six under par.
'It was a really solid round. Hit a lot of fairways and greens and made a lot of good putts,' Dyson told reporters at the $5 million (S$7.6 million) Asian Tour event.
'Four birdies and 14 pars. Whenever you play a round and you don't make a bogey, it's always satisfying.'
The Englishman cut his professional teeth on the Asian Tour in 2000 and his familiarity with the conditions has helped him so far this week, but Dyson still feels that the par-71 Serapong Course layout is one of the most testing he has encountered.
'It's a really tough golf course. I am playing some of the best golf of my life and am only six under. On any other course, I would be 10 or 12-under,' he added.
'The greens get really difficult to read in the afternoon and there are not as many driving holes as I thought there would be.'
Perfect match
Dyson has already won in Asia, the Indonesia Open, and enjoyed good finishes in other tournaments in the region. He believes the grass used on Southeast Asian courses is a perfect match for his game.
'I played well at the Singapore Masters a couple of seasons ago and came close in Malaysia twice. It's not necessarily the heat but the turf suits my game.'
'The ball sits up nicely and you can do whatever you want with it. I like to hit all types of shot. I suppose that's the side of it that I really like.'
Looking ahead to the weekend, Dyson does not expect anyone to run away with the tournament and feels two more rounds like the opening 36 holes would put him in position to win the title.
'It's hard to tell what score will win. Depends on the weather and pin placements over the weekend,' he said.
'Realistically 10 under could win it, so if I was offered another six under total for my next two rounds I would take it.'
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