The tough back nine at the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club was agonising for the Indian trio as all three went over-par in the first round of the Omega European Masters golf tournament here.

While Shiv Kapur (72) was lying 41st, Jeev Milkha Singh was 68th with a 74 and Jyoti Randhawa (75) was tied 90th.

Welshman Bradley Dredge began with a fine round in his attempt to defend the Omega European Masters when he soared into the lead by holing his second shot on the par four sixth.

He ended the day at five-under 66 and opened an early two stroke advantage over second placed Mikko Ilonen and three others, Marcus Fraser, Eduardo Romero and Oliver Wilson.

Wilson still had four holes to play, when play stopped because of darkness. Two hours were lost first thing in the morning due to frost but once underway. Kapur was lying 41st after his first day effort of one-over 72.

He went four-over for three holes between the 16th and 18th holes but made up with an eagle on first and a birdie on the sixth.