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Dredge leads European Masters

09/09/2007

Defending champion Bradley Dredge holds the joint lead of the European Masters with Australian Brett Rumford heading into the final round.

The Welshman carded a round of three-under to forge ahead of England's Oliver Wilson who shot a one-under-par round to remain in contention despite losing his lead.

Dredge is joined on 13-under by Rumford who carded a third round 66 to put himself in the final pairing at the Crans-sur-Sierre course.

Sion Bebb claimed a share of fourth place after carding a spectacular round of 63. The Welshman had a flawless round, picking up six birdies and an eagle at the 14th hole.

Dredge won the tournament last year by eight strokes but is unlikely to find things as easy this year with so many players within touching distance of the lead.

The 34-year-old eagled the first hole and picked up a further five birdies to haul himself to the top of the leaderboard.

His lead could have been greater but for two bogeys on the front nine and a double-bogey at the 12th hole.

Wilson was battling a sore neck and claimed it had been affecting his swing, especially on the approach shots to the green.

Dredge was pleased to be leading the tournament once again, saying: "The course seems to suit me but it was a bit of an up and down round today.

"After all that I'm happy to be tied for the lead and in with a chance tomorrow, especially after my 68 doesn't look so good if I was the only fit one in our group."