With only one bogey in his first 57 holes Dredge, whose two previous European Tour victories came by eight shot margins, stood 19 under par.

Joint second were English pair Ross Fisher and David Horsey, Bradford-born Irishman Simon Thornton and Spaniard Pablo Larrazabal.

Dredge's advantage was slashed to when when European Tour rookie Thornton - he came through The Qualifying School last November - birdied the fifth and sank a 20 foot eagle putt on the next. 

But Dredge was on in two there and two-putted to be two in front on 20 under, while Larrazabal was third on 16 under after following an outward 31 with a bogey five at the tenth. 

Tee-off times had been brought forward so the tournament ended before the World Cup clash between Germany and England, which was being shown on large screens at the course.