Britain's Bradley Dredge boosted his bid for back-to-back European Masters victories by moving into a tie for the third-round lead with Australia's Brett Rumford.

The duo finished on 13-under 200, a stroke better than the leader for the first two rounds, Oliver Wilson of Britain. Rumford shot a five-under 66 while Dredge had a 68.

Rumford and Wilson stayed in contention despite suffering with sore necks. The Briton was almost forced to pull out before starting his round.

Triple tour winner Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano of Spain and surprise contender Sion Bebb of Britain were on 202.

The joint leaders are both seeking third European Tour titles, with Dredge seeking a rare double after coming through a poor run of mid-season form.

The Welshman eagled the first after an approach to seven feet but a double-bogey at the 12th cost him the outright lead.

"I felt my 68 was a bit mediocre and I made some bad errors," said Dredge. "But I've not been playing well for the last month or so.

"You have to turn your form around sometime, though, and hopefully that's now."

Rumford went straight to the physio's wagon for treatment on his neck after his round.

"It's a pinched nerve," he said. "I'm not sure how I did it.  I had to take painkillers on the 16th tee. It was getting so bad and giving me a real headache.

"Hopefully after some treatment I'll be okay for tomorrow."

Wilson struggled on the front nine particularly before the Englishman recovered to post a 70.

"I felt the neck go when I was in the shower this morning and I needed an hour with the tour physios," said Wilson.  "It was very frustrating. I was hoping to pull away today."

Bebb, lying 209th on the money list, fired a 63, one stroke off the course record and the best round of the week. His card including 11 threes.

Lee Westwood found the hazard at the last before chipping in for a bogey and a 65 that left the former European number one three strokes off the lead alongside fellow Englishman Phillip Archer (68).