Dredge's round was delayed by frost in the morning

Wales' Bradley Dredge made the perfect start to the defence of his European Masters title with a five-under-par 66 to take a two-shot lead in Switzerland.

Most of the afternoon field were unable to finish their rounds because of the morning delay due to frost.

But Australian Marcus Fraser, Mikko Ilonen and Argentine Eduardo Romero carded 68 to take a share for second.

English pair Lee Westwood and Paul Casey also managed to finish in time, with both returning cards of 71.

Dredge's flawless round contained three birdies and an eagle two on the seventh, where he holed out from 120 yards.

"The course seems to suit me," said the 34-year-old Dredge, who won by eight shots at the same course last year.

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

606: DEBATE Which European can make the 'new Big Five?'

On the chances of making his Ryder Cup debut in Kentucky next year, Dredge added: "There's a long way to go but the strength of the field here this week shows it's on people's minds already."

The 53-year-old Romero finished his round with an eagle at 15 and a last-hole birdie grab his share of second place.

And he said: "I'm fit and I'm hitting the ball probably longer than I was 10 years ago and I know I can win again."