BRADLEY Dredge (pictured) believes he has spent the first two days playing with the man who will win this year's Wales Open, world number 18 Miguel Angel Jimenez.

The amiable Spaniard produced some real fireworks in his opening two rounds to move into third place at eight under par, but Dredge believes he has the winning mentality to move clear of the leaders.

Dredge, who survived a bit of a scare to birdie two of the last three holes to card a one-under par 68, explained: "Miguel is playing fantastically well and I think it is going to be tough for anyone to keep up with him over the weekend.

"His iron play is fantastic and he is at eight-under par despite missing a few putts.

"If his game stays as it has been in the next two days then I would definitely back him to win, because of all the guys at the top, he's the one who knows how to win."

Jimenez, who is one stroke behind second placed David Lynn, is also confident of his credential's to pick up the £250,000 winning purse, but admitted he found the famous Gwent weather slightly harder to deal with.

He said: "It was a tough day with a lot of breeze and that made things tricky for us.

"But I am pleased with how I am hitting the ball and the way I am playing. I am very confident in how I am hitting the irons and have plenty to look forward to for the weekend as I'm only a few shots back."

The surprise story of the day was Allesandro Tadini, the former challenge tour professional who shot a course record 62 to take the clubhouse lead at eleven-under par.

A delighted Tadini admitted that everything had gone right for him as he benefited from the calmer early conditions, but was certain that his putting was the key to his round.

"Yesterday my putting was beautiful and it was easier to play," he said.

"I am very happy with how I played and I only made 24 putts, with two three metre putts for par on the last two holes" (which gave him the course record).

Tadini is also certain he can hold his nerve over the weekend, unlike his beloved AC Milan, who crashed to Liverpool in the Champions league final despite leading 3-0 at half-time.

"I watched the game at Wentworth last week but I didn't cry, I will do better than Milan did this weekend!"

It was a fairly decent day for the Welsh golfers, despite Stephen Dodd surprisingly failing to make the cut.

Ryder Cup captain in waiting Ian Woosnam carded a 68 to move to six-under, five behind Tadini, but Colin Montgomerie has predicted that Woosnam can push the leaders all the way.

"I am not surprised to see Woosie up there as he's been playing well for a few weeks and I hope and think that he can stay in contention," Monty said.

Jamie Donaldson also carded a 68 to move to three-under, the same as Monmouth's David Park, who shot 67.

Defending champion Simon Khan survived the cut by the skin of his teeth after shooting 72.