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Dredge on top at European Masters

06/09/2007

Defending champion Bradley Dredge made a brilliant start at the European Masters in Switzerland today by carding a five-under-par 66 to take the lead after the first round which was severely affected by frost.

Many of the players who teed-off in the afternoon failed to finish their rounds as start of play was delayed in the morning due to frost.

But Dredge was able to complete his round which included two birdies and a fantastic eagle on the seventh hole.

The Welshman, who won last year's event by eight shots, said he is confident of defending his title and also claiming precious points for the European Ryder Cup team ahead of next year's event in Kentucky.

"The course seems to suit me," said Dredge.

"When you've had a win at a course, you come back knowing how you should play it."

On the Ryder Cup, the 34-year-old said: "There's a long way to go but the strength of the field here this week shows it's on people's minds already."

Veteran Argentinian Eduardo Romero, Australia's Marcus Fraser, and Finland's Mikko Ilonen lead the chasing pack on three under par.

Romero, 53, said he felt he was getting better with age after hitting an eagle on the 15th hole and a birdie on the last to put himself in contention.

"I'm fit and I'm hitting the ball probably longer than I was ten years ago and I know I can win again," said Romero.

England's Oliver Wilson is on three under par after 14 holes, while countrymen Lee Westwood and Paul Casey both carded level-par 71s.