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Wilson leads in Masters

07/09/2007

England's Oliver Wilson leads by one stroke at the halfway stage of the European Masters in Switzerland.

Wilson, seeking his maiden European Tour title after two second-place finishes this season, carded a five-under par 66 to lie on 11-under.

Defending champion Bradley Dredge is a shot behind after going round in 66 which included three birdies in his final five holes.

Australia's Brett Rumford is in third place on eight under, one stroke ahead of England's Phillip Archer.

Wilson, 26, was among 44 players forced to play in the early morning to finish their first round due to frost.

The former Walker Cup star birdied the 17th to card 65 in his first round. After a 30-minute break for breakfast, Walker fired six birdies to card 66 in his second round.

Wilson said he is hoping for a good tournament to boost his chances of playing in the Ryder Cup.

"The Ryder Cup's a long way away but I'd love to play in the Seve Trophy," Wilson said.

"I've not played a team event since I was an amateur and I feel if I make it then it will be a reward for my season and a next step up in my career.

"There is a long way to go and I just have to keep concentrating and try to eliminate as many mistakes as possible."

Welshman Dredge said he was pleased with his putting going into the weekend.

"It's good to have something to aim at. I like this tournament, I think it suits my game," Dredge said.

"I've been spending time working on my putting over the past week and I think it's paying off."

Meanwhile, Englishmen Lee Westwood, Graeme Storm and Zane Scotland share tenth place on four-under.