Super Barnes Blows Clear - 21/11/2007

A ROUND of 65 from Dean Barnes has seen him take the clubhouse lead during the second round of The Whittlebury Park International Open.

The Ferndown golfer sat four shots behind overnight leader Mark Day when he began Friday's play at -3.

However, an outstanding round in blustery conditions saw him move out to -9 for the tournament.

Barnes hit three birdies in his opening nine holes, and added a further four on the back nine - as well as one bogey - to move ahead.

"I'm really pleased," admitted Barnes. "It was very windy out there and that make the course play differently but I played pretty solidly.

"I hit most of the greens and managed to keep the ball under the wind where I could.

"I grew up playing on a course similar to this, so I just used my experience and it paid off.

"I feel good now and hopefully I can take this into Saturday's final round. I played with Simon Robinson when he won at Mollington recently and dealt with the pressure quite well, so I'll just go out there, try and make my putts and enjoy it."

A level par round of 71 from David Clark ensured that he remained at -6, while Matthew McGuire's 67 put him out to -5.

Graeme Clark, who began two shots off the pace at -5, has moved out to -8 following the first nine holes of his second round.

Mark Smith has picked up a shot to move onto -6, where he has been joined by Robinson, who sits at four-under-par for his first nine holes on Friday.

A full round-up will be issued at the close of play on Friday.