Drudge has high hopes

WELSHMAN Bradley Dredge counts himself among 40 or 50 players he thinks could represent Europe in the Ryder Cup in September.

And if he goes on leaving Tiger Woods and Ernie Els trailing in his wake then the 30-year-old will surely be among the 12 who do.

A sparkling eight-under-par 64 on the fog-hit first day of the Dubai Desert Classic gave him a three-stroke lead over England's David Howell while Els had to be content with a 70 and Woods stood only level par for 12 holes when play was called off.