Brit Dyson hoovers up the field in scorching Malaysian Open after early vacuum

AN EXHAUSTED Simon Dyson was pleased to finish a gruelling day in a tie for third place at the Maybank Malaysian Open.

Forced to return to the Kota Permai Golf and Country Club early in the morning to finish off the final hole of his second round after a two-hour weather stoppage on Friday, the Englishman went on to fire a five-under-par 67 later in the day to put himself into a good position in the event jointly sanctioned by the European and Asian Tours.

Defending champion Peter Hedblom of Sweden leads the tournament on a 17-under-par total of 199, two strokes ahead of Daniel Vancsik of Argentina and three in front of Dyson, India's Jyoti Randhawa and Soren Kjeldsen of Denmark.

Dyson holed five birdies but still found it tough going in the balmy, energy-sapping conditions. "It was very hot. I was drinking a bottle a hole and you could still feel it," said the winner of the Asian Order of Merit in 2000.

Callum Macaulay and Keir McNicoll sit on the fringes of the top 20 heading into the final 36-holes of the Riversdale Cup in Melbourne, Australia, writes Nick Rodger. Macaulay, last year's SGU No.1, slipped to a three-over 73 for a one-under 143 and was joined on that mark by Scottish Amateur runner-up McNicoll, who fired a two-under 70. The Scots duo lag nine shots behind frontrunner, Scott Arnold, who leads on 134. Cardross's Scott Henry moved up the field with a battling 70 for 145 but reigning Scottish champion, John Gallagher, had to settle for a second consecutive 74 for 148.

Scotland's young golfers are on course for their second Boys' Quadrangular title in three years heading into the closing round of matches at St Cyprien in southern France today.

Barrie Douglas' side, who powered to a 6/ – 2/ win over the host nation in their opening game on Friday, overcame four-times champions Italy 5/ – 3/ yesterday to maintain their 100% record. Scotland, the only team with two wins so far, now just need a half point from their final match with defending champions Sweden to clinch the crown.