Bradley Dredge finished third at the European Masters

Dredge finished third with a round of 69, with Australian Brett Rumford beating Simon Archer in a play-off.

The 34-year-old Welshman hit four birdies before the turn, but struggled on the back nine at Crans-sur-Sierre.

"It was one of those days when you don't get the breaks on the greens that you need to win," said Dredge.

Dredge shared the lead at 13 under with Rumford going into the final day in Switzerland, but while the Australian kept his composure and putted well.

It was a good defence and I'm pleased with my performance Bradley Dredge

Despite Dredge's struggles, he came agonisingly close to making it into the play-off when his birdie putt on the 18th shaved the hole.

"I had two good chances on the last two holes but didn't make them and that cost me," said Dredge.

"Round the turn I also hit some good putts, they just didn't want to drop. I knew that I had to make some birdies when the holes started running out, but I didn't play the par five's well enough.

"I would love to have been in the play-off, but it just wasn't to be.

"It was a good defence and I'm pleased with my performance. I held it together well and put myself in a good position to defend my title, which is pleasing."

Dredge now travels to Germany for the Mercedes-Benz Championship in Cologne and he is pleased with his return to form.

He said: "It is a regular occurrence for me to have a dip in form in July and August but I'm glad it is September and hopefully I can finish the season off as I like."

One tournament for Dredge to look forward to is likely to be the biennial Seve Trophy.