By David Ferguson
Zhang Lianwei battled to an even-par 72 yesterday to lead Australian Kurt Barnes by one after a wind-blown third round at the RMB1.2 million Sofitel Zhongshan IGC Open in Nanjing, the Omega China Tour's richest-ever event.
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Zhang Lianwei of China hits his drive on the 18th hole during 3rd round action. [David Paul Morris/World Sport Group]
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Zhang, who lies five-under, is playing today with Barnes (73) and Craig Scott, another huge-hitting Australian, who moved to third on one-under following a 72.
Yuan Hao finished with two three-putt bogeys for a 76 and a share of fourth on even-par with Ye Xionghui, who shot 75.
Zhang was cheered on by a vocal crowd as the 43-year-old Chinese legend bids to win the Sofitel title for the first time after finishing runner-up in the last two editions at the Nanjing Zhongshan International Golf Club.
"It wasn't easy out there today, as the wind was strong. It was really difficult to judge distance and choose the right clubs," said Zhang on Saturday, who had won six titles on the Tour and the 2006 Omega Order of Merit. "Barnes played well. He's a good player and hits it long, although I'll be focused on my own game on Sunday."
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Kurt Barnes of Australia reacts after making a par saving putt on the 13th green during 3rd round action. [David Paul Morris/World Sport Group]
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Zhang and Barnes, one of a 10-strong Australian contingent competing in the event, chatted amiably during the day, with family the main topic of conversation.
"We talked a lot about our kids," Zhang said. "He told me he had a three-year-old son and I told him I had an eight-year-old daughter and four-year-old son. Actually, he told me that if he makes enough money, he would like to have two more kids!"
Barnes, 27, is looking to become the first Australian to win on the Omega China Tour and walk away with the RMB225,000 winner's cheque, but will have to overcome the local favourite.
"I really enjoyed playing with Zhang. We talked about kids and everything else but golf," said the man nicknamed 'Australia's John Daly', who's looking to break a trophy drought since winning the 2005 Victorian Open.
