Malton and Norton's Simon Dyson went straight into the groove as he opened his assault on the Dubai Desert Classic by firing a one-under-par 71 at the Emirates course today.

That left the 24-year-old North Yorkshire ace within sight of leader Robert Karlsson, the early clubhouse leader on 67.

In joint second spot after the early stages was Karlsson's compatriot Niclas Fasth and South African star Ernie Els, both on 68. The leading Briton was Wales' Mark Mouland, who was three-under.

Updated: 12:25 Thursday, March 07, 2002