Robinson & Barnes Push Clear - 01/12/2007

SIMON ROBINSON and Dean Barnes share a two-shot lead going into the final round of The Golf Pages Classic at Mollington GC in Chester.

Robinson, put himself in pole position for a third win on the PGA EuroPro Tour with a round of 68 on Thursday, following up his opening round 64 to move out to -8.

He was joined late in the day in the lead by Barnes, who held his nerve to follow up Wednesday's 65 with a 67.

Robinson, who won at the Swallow Suffolk and Morley Hayes earlier in 2005, admitted that he is looking forward to Friday's decisive round.

"I know what to expect going into the final round, which should put me in good stead," said the 24-year-old from Hartlepool.

"The others may feel the pressure but I know I've just got to get my head down.

"I got off to a good start on Wednesday and that laid the platform. I played well and didn't drop any shots.

"It has been an enjoyable two rounds actually with Neil Price and John Wade. We've brought the best out of each other and I think there were only two bogeys between us on Wednesday.

"It was tougher today, a bit more scrappy but I ground it out and managed to take my chances when I got them.

"I've had a few breaks this week but when it goes for you it's a great game! Hopefully that will continue on Friday."

Robinson and Barnes sit two shots clear of Kieran Staunton, who had been joint leader after the first round and carded a level par 70 on Thursday.

Ex-Walker Cup player Matt Richardson followed up a 68 with a fine 67 on Thursday to move out to -5, a shot ahead of Wade, Phil Worthington, David James, James Ruebotham, Michael Searle and Richard Squire.

A hole in one from Yasin Ali on the 17th - which landed in the cup without bouncing - helped him to record a 67 on Thursday and join four other players on -3, including Formby's Mark Ramsdale.

Ian Robertson, representing Wirral Ladies GC, also hit a hole in one at the 17th, although that was not enough to put him among the 54 players who made the cut at +2.