The Open 2010: Simon Dyson out to improve Open record

The Open Championship, St Andrews, 15-18 July
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Simon Dyson in action during the third round of the Open at St Andrews

Dyson only made the cut twice in his six previous Opens

By Ged Scott
BBC Sport at St Andrews

Yorkshireman Simon Dyson got his hands on some silverware when he last visited St Andrews in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship last October.

And, on one of his favourite courses, although out of the running for this year's Open, he can still improve his record here in Sunday's final round.

Dyson's third round one-over 73 left him on one over for the 2010 Open.

But, if he shoots 68, that would top his best round at an Open - and 34th would equal his best finish.

That came here on the Old Course when Dyson finished on two under in 2005 - and, if only he could get his putter working, and the wind drops, he certainly feels that it is possible.

"I'm always looking to improve my stats," York-born, Manchester-based Mere member told BBC Sport. "And I love playing here.

606: DEBATE

What do you think of English players' performances at the Open?

"I enjoyed success at St Andrews last year in the Dunhill. But I just wish the wind would die down.

"I've played nice again, but it's just so hard to hole putts. I've been leaving myself with too many putts across the wind and find it hard to hole them. I had a belter at 15 today. I could have had 100 goes at it and not holed it."

That cost Dyson one of his two dropped shots on the back nine, as he then bogeyed 16 too before finishing with a birdie at 18.

Starting the day on level par, Dyson dropped his first shot on the fourth, only to get it back on the ninth, when he drove to the front edge and two-putted.

Dyson also closed his back nine with a birdie, getting his first of the week on 18 to tidy up his card when he drove just short of the Valley of Sin, knocked it up to 12 feet and then holed out.

"I'm certainly playing better than I'm scoring," added Dyson. "I was playing with Robert Allenby. He was one under, I was one over and there was nothing in it. So we'll just have to see what happens on Sunday."