It was comfortably the 22-year-old’s worst round at Houghton, a course for which he was a collective 40 under par for the last two years in finishing second and first – a superb stroke average of exactly 67.

There was still hope for the Englishman’s fans, however, considering his victory last year was achieved despite an opening-round 71 that left him five shots off the pace, also set by Dodd.

Starting at the 10th tee in one of the first groups on the course, Rose took advantage of the perfect conditions to birdie the 11th and 12th holes and also picked up shots at the 14th and 16th to go out in 32.

Further birdies at the first, third and fifth had the world number 37, the highest-ranked player in the field, seven under for the day and six under for the tournament.

But his hopes suffered a major blow when he found water from the tee at the par-three eighth hole and after taking a penalty drop and pitching to six feet, he missed the putt to run up a double-bogey five.

Rose therefore signed for a 67 to finish four under at halfway, reducing his overnight deficit by just a shot but at least ensuring he would make the halfway cut with something to spare.

Dredge was also among the early starters and added a 68 to his opening 65 for an 11-under total of 133, a shot clear of English duo Richard Bland and Mark Roe.

Bland, who will have former Southampton and England footballer Matt Le Tissier working as his caddy next week in Singapore, fired eight birdies in his 65, while Roe carded a second consecutive 67.

Dredge is still seeking his first win on the European Tour after being narrowly beaten to the season-ending Volvo Masters in Valderrama by Colin Montgomerie and Bernhard Langer, who shared the title after darkness brought an end to their play-off.

“I’m definitely ready to win,” said the 29-year-old Welshman. “I’ve had enough near misses now so I won’t be trying to finish second.

“I learned a lot from playing with Monty in the final group in Valderrama. It’s good to see how he handles himself on the golf course, his demeanour and how he goes about things.”