Dredge, Whiteford lead European Tour event

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MUNICH, Germany, June 24 (UPI) -- Bradley Dredge and Peter Whiteford each shot 8-under-par 64 Thursday and share the first-round lead at the European Tour's BMW International Open in Germany.

Both Dredge and Whiteford had six birdies and an eagle on a day that saw 96 golfers break par. Ariel Canete, Jeppe Huldahl, Chapchai Nirat and Phillip Price are tied for third at 7-under while Pablo Larrazabal and Peter Lawrie are both two strokes off the pace and eight other golfers finished at 5-under 67.

Whiteford played the second nine first Thursday and was 3-under at the turn. He added birdies at Nos. 2 and 4 before an eagle -- when he dropped a 6-foot putt -- at the par-5 481-yard sixth hole. He capped the round with a birdie at his final hole.

Dredge opened his round with a birdie at the first hole and added back-to-back birdies at Nos. 6-7. His eagle came at the par-5 556-yard 11th hole. He finished with three consecutive birdies.

"There was virtually no wind and I think it's the easiest I've played the course," said Dredge. "I'm surprised there are not more low scores. You always need a bit of luck. I hit some poor shots, but managed to get away with them. I do feel my game is getting back together and it is a matter of consistency at the moment."