Welshman Bradley Dredge leads the BMW International Open in Munich at the halfway stage as star attractions Ernie Els and Sergio Garcia crashed out of the event.

Nick Dougherty could not stop himself from laughing last night after the inevitable question came up following his victory in the BMW International Open in Germany.

England’s Nick Dougherty, who this time last year had little desire to play golf, finally returned to winning ways in Munich today – and with it earned a place in next month’s Open.

England’s Nick Dougherty birdied the first three holes and joined South African Retief Goosen out in front on 17 under par at the BMW International Open in Munich.

Bernhard Langer’s 16th attempt to become the oldest winner in European Tour history might just be the one when he finally does it.

Colin Montgomerie had a hole-in-one from 156 yards and Retief Goosen missed from barely a foot, but the South African was still the one heading for victory in Munich today.

Retief Goosen remained the man to catch at the BMW International Open in Munich today.

Rory McIlroy got off to a good start this morning on the second day of the BMW International Open in Munich, improving to three under to sit five strokes behind leader Retief Goosen of South Africa.

Ryder Cup hopefuls Luke Donald and Ian Poulter have both pulled out of this week's BMW International in Munich because of the wrist injuries they suffered at the US Open.

A four-foot eagle putt on the first play-off gave Swede Henrik Stenson victory over Ryder Cup teammate Padraig Harrington and South African Retief Goosen at the BMW International Open in Munich today.

Ryder Cup team-mates Padraig Harrington (pictured) and Henrik Stenson went into a play-off with South African Retief Goosen at the BMW International Open in Munich.

Paul McGinley has been talking of his 'relief' at qualifying for the European Ryder Cup team.

Paul McGinley and Jose Maria Olazabal were this afternoon confirmed as the last two automatic qualifiers for the European Ryder Cup team.

Paul McGinley and Jose Maria Olazabal were close to being confirmed as the last two automatic qualifiers for the European Ryder Cup team as the leaders set off in the final round of the BMW International Open in Munich today.

Paul Broadhurst was in severe danger of becoming the next player to fall out of the Ryder Cup race in Munich today.

American star John Daly has pulled out of the BMW International Open in Munich following a week of bronchial trouble.

There was good news for Ireland's Paul McGinley today, as Swede Johan Edfors – possibly needing another victory to make the Ryder Cup side – gave himself a mountain to climb the moment the BMW International Open began in Munich.

England’s David Howell today claimed a long overdue second European Tour title in the BMW International Open.

Luke Donald will take a one-shot lead into the final round of the BMW International Open in Munich.

Luke Donald carded an “easy-going” 65 to share the lead at the halfway stage of the BMW International Open in Munich.

Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn is targeting his third BMW International Open title after a remarkable turnaround in fortunes.

Ryder Cup qualification has not even started yet, but Ian Poulter already has his sights set on sealing his place by the end of the year.

Luke Donald recovered from a nightmare start to put himself in contention for a first win of the year in Munich’s BMW International Open.

Miguel Angel Jimenez made a dreadful start to the defence of his BMW International Open title in Munich.

Ian Poulter produced an unbelievable comeback to grab a Ryder Cup place today - along with Paul Casey, David Howell and 2002 hero Paul McGinley.

Paul McGinley has qualified for Europe's Ryder Cup team after finishing on -15 in the BMW International Open today.

Swede Fredrik Jacobson charged into a share of the lead as he tried to grab a Ryder Cup place in Munich today.

When Colin Montgomerie takes his three children to EuroDisney on Thursday it will surely be as a member of Europe’s Ryder Cup team next month.

Six words from Paul McGinley summed up just how incredibly close Europe’s Ryder Cup race has become – with only one day to go.

A surprisingly calm David Howell stayed in control of his own destiny today as the Ryder Cup race matched the weather and hotted up.

Brian Davis and Jean-Francois Remesy left Munich today with their Ryder Cup dream over.

Spain’s Miguel Angel Jimenez, chasing his fourth win of the season and proud new owner of one of the sponsor’s products, leads the BMW International Open in Munich at the halfway stage.

Germany’s Alex Cejka, needing something dramatic to boost his Ryder Cup wild card hopes, produced it for a time in Munich this morning.

Ryder Cup hopeful David Howell picked up where he left off when the BMW International Open – the final qualifying event for Europe’s side – resumed in Munich today.

John Daly has spoken out about his exclusion from America’s Ryder Cup team, saying the public and press campaign to get him a debut next month probably cost him one.

With only one question mark over whether he should be picked for next month’s Ryder Cup – his form – Colin Montgomerie set about putting that right in Munich today.

England’s Luke Donald took another step towards a Ryder Cup debut next month when he went to the turn in a three-under-par 33 to share the early lead in the BMW International Open in Munich today.

Heavy rain greeted the early starters in the BMW International Open in Munich today – many of them with more than the weather on their mind.