YORK golfer Simon Dyson is out of the French Open.

The Malton and Norton ace missed the cut last night despite an improved second round performance at Le Golf National in Paris.

Dyson had started the day on seven over par, after a disappointing first round score of 78, and dropped three shots yesterday to finish 10 over par.

His score was still seven shots too high to avoid the cut and his performance brought another early exit to follow similar disappointments in the BMW International Open, the Lyoness Open, and the PGA Championship.

Dyson, a six-time European Tour winner, has struggled for form since returning from wrist surgery 12 months ago and is now considering a second operation in November.

He had also skipped final qualifiers for The Open this week to attend the birth of his second child.

Rory McIlroy, meanwhile, finished five under par yesterday to take a share of the lead in France.

The Irishman had entered the competition this week in a bid sharpen up his game ahead of The Open which starts at Royal Troon on July 14.

Harrogate-born Chris Hanson dropped down the field but remains in contention.