South Africa's Thomas Aiken, still looking for a maiden European Tour victory, fired a second round seven-under par 64 to lead the European Masters on Friday.

The 26-year-old is 10 under at the halfway stage.

Wales's Bradley Dredge, whose last tour victory came here in 2006, is only one behind thanks to a second round 65 and is nine under while Spanish Ryder Cup star Miguel Angel Jimenez also nudged into a share of second spot late in the day.

"I started with a birdie on the first and it makes quite a big difference. I played solid golf like yesterday but a few more putts went in," said Aiken, who was joint-eighth at the British Open in July.

"There are a few short par fours on the front nine and I managed to drive two of them. The birdies there were two putts so it makes it a lot easier. Hit a lot of greens and gave myself a lot of chances."

First round leader Brett Rumford of Australia added a disappointing 73 to his opening 62 and is now seven under for the tournament.

Englishman Simon Dyson, one behind overnight, had two bogeys in the first four, came back with four birdies, but then finished bogey-bogey for a level par 71.

Dyson, the winner of the Dutch Open last month, was in third place on eight under.

Alongside Dyson are Ireland's Paul McGinley and Angelo Que of The Philippines while Thai player Chapchai Nirat, a member of both the Asian Tour and The European Tour, who are co-sanctioning an event in Europe for the first time, was a shot further back.

Dredge is already targeting a place in the next Ryder Cup which will be played in his native Wales at The Celtic Manor Resort.

"The Ryder Cup is my goal - that's it - and while I've had a disappointing year so far the season starts here," said Dredge after his round in what is the first qualifying event for the European side.