Superb Barnes Takes China Fleet Advantage - 16/12/2007

AN outstanding round of 65 from Dean Barnes saw him take a one-shot lead following the opening day of The China Fleet International Open.

The Ferndown golfer, playing in the final game of the day at the Cornwall course, dropped just one shot during his first round and carded eight birdies to take the advantage at -7.

A superb start saw Barnes birdie the second and third holes, and he entered the back nine at -4.

He then hit birdies at the 13th, 14th and 15th holes to move into the lead for the tournament and bounced back from his bogey at the 17th to birdie the final hole and ensure a narrow overnight cushion.

"I played pretty solid throughout the round," said Barnes. "Apart from three-putting at the 17th I made almost no mistakes, which was pleasing.

"I had a game plan and stuck to it. The greens were very good, I was delighted to hole out from across the green at the 15th and I didn't leave myself too many putts of over ten feet.

"I feel I can still improve and we'll see how things go for the rest of the week. I attacked certain holes that I felt I could and everything went for me, but you need that in a round like this."

Barnes is one shot clear of Haywards Heath's Mark Fairhall, who hit six birdies and an eagle in his round of 66.

Andrew Willey, Jamie Farnsworth and David James are a further stroke back after opening rounds of 67 in the Cornish sunshine.

Local player Paul Turpin, from Carlyon Bay, joined PGA EuroPro Tour stars Mark Smith, Inder Van Weerelt, Ben St John and Martin Sell on -4 after a round of 68 on Wednesday, with seven players a shot behind.

Full scores from the first round of the China Fleet International Open are available by clicking the Score Updates link to the right.