Bradley Dredge moved firmly into contention to become the first Welshman to win the Wales Open after taking a share of the third round lead.

A four-under 65 took Dredge to 10-under 197 for a share of top place with the young German rookie Martin Kaymer.

Kaymer denied himself the outright lead by bogeying the last two holes but the 22-year-old continued his good 2007 form with a similar 65.

The top pair lead by a stroke from the consistent Richard Sterne of South Africa and overnight leader Mads Vibe-Hastrup of Denmark.

With four players on eight-under, including Ireland's Gary Murphy, Dredge's dream of winning his national title might prove hard to realise.

Two weeks ago he lost out to Padraig Harrington in a playoff as the Dubliner won his home title at Adare Manor.

Now, with an enthusiastic crowd behind him the Welsh former World Cup winner is hoping to lean on the Celtic Manor gallery's support in much the same way as Harrington did.

"It's nice to hear the support for me this time, in direct contrast to Ireland," Dredge, who is looking for his third tour title, said.

"I'm sure the fans are going to get right behind me tomorrow. What Padraig said hits it right on the nail - you want to win your national title. I really want to win this."

Victory will also earn Dredge a place in the British Open, putting him into the world's top 50. He refuses to try to qualify for either the British or US Opens.

Kaymer, third in the recent Spanish Open, has his incentive too.

"I just turned pro 18 months ago and things have gone very fast since then," he said.

"My first goal was to keep my card, then to finish in the top-60 and play Valderrama (Volvo Masters). Now we'll see where we end up."