BLACKWOOD'S Bradley Dredge (pictured) could not hide his delight after firing a superb 66 at the BMW International Open yesterday, which put him in the frame for his first tour success of 2004.

Dredge hit a faultless second round six under par, leaving him at seven under for the competition. He was sharing sixth position with John Daly, just three shots off leader Miguel Angel Jimenez.

After a season that started promisingly and delivered very little, it was great to see Dredge back in the groove, firing drives on to the fairway and hitting far more greens in regulation.

He picked up four birdies in his round and also enjoyed an eagle on the par five eighth to move into contention for a title for the first time since the beginning of the season.

Speaking to the Argus moments after his superb round, Dredge was in upbeat mood.

He said: "I have been playing better for a few weeks now and have made some really positive adjustments to my game.

"I have changed my posture slightly when I'm swinging the club and it is paying dividends and giving me a lot of confidence.

"I played really well on Thursday and 71 was a good score because I did not get the best of the conditions.

"But I did get the run of the place on Friday and hit a lot of fairways and a lot of greens which is bound to give you plenty of confidence.

"My aim was to not drop any shots and I achieved that, so to rattle in some birdies and get the eagle was a huge bonus.

"It is great to be ending the season on a more positive note after a poor year and I hope I can continue to play like this in the remaining five or six tournaments."

One factor in Dredge's favour this weekend is that unlike many, he is not thinking about the Ryder Cup squad as he is out of contention.

He explained: "I think a lot of the guys are probably playing a hole and then looking over their shoulders at the leaderboard to see how the other guys in contention are doing.

"But I am in a position where I need to look no further than the next two days and my own game and I feel really good about things."

Speaking before today's playing order was known, he said: "I may be playing with John Daly and that would be great. He's been attracting huge crowds and if I play with him it will be a nice contrast in style and approach.

"I have never played with John before, but you know when you are at this end of the leaderboard you are more likely to pair with the bigger name players."