Dredge led the home challenge at the Wales Open

The pair led the Welsh challenge at the Celtic Manor, but finished well adrift of runaway winner Robert Karlsson.

"It's frustrating, hopefully next year we can get a Welsh winner, that's what we're all holding out for," said Dredge, joint seventh at nine under.

Dodd, who finished two shots further back, added: "It's disappointing, but there's always next year."

I'm not going to play a 36-hole qualifier with only a slim chance of getting in Bradley Dredge

Reigning World Cup champions Dredge and Dodd will each take a break now, having decided not to take part in US Open qualifying.

"The US Open was only in my plans if I made myself exempt for it," said 32-year-old Blackwood-man Dredge, who stands at 85 in the world rankings.

"I've played five in a row and it's nice to have a two-week break now.

"I would love to have got in the US Open, but I'm not going to play a 36-hole qualifier with only a slim chance of making it.

"I'll be playing six tournaments in a row after these two weeks off and they're the biggest of our season."

This week was a big step forward Stephen Dodd

Barry-man Dodd was pleased with an upturn of form in Newport, his 2006 season having so far failed to live up to an outstanding 2005.

"This week was a big step forward, apart from the third day it went very well," said Dodd.

"It's something to work on, my game's still not quite there, not sharp enough all-round.

"But I'm not playing again for two weeks. I'm going away to Dubai and the clubs won't be coming with me."