HONG KONG, 12 Jan 2016, (HK Golfer News Wire) - The Australian, who has finished second to compatriot Unho Park in the last three editions of the long-running event, handled the gusty conditions at the clifftop course with aplomb, finishing with four birdies in his final five holes to surge to the top of the leader board.
Barr, who opened up with a level par 70 at Fanling on Monday, leads by three from second-placed Park, who struggled to a 72, with Hong Kong amateur Leon D'Souza occupying third spot, a further stroke adrift.
"I was pleased with how it went today, especially on the back-nine, where I managed to hit a few nice shots and make some good putts," said the 43-year-old Asian Tour regular. "I'm going to approach the final round like any other – I'm going to be aggressive. If I can build a substantial lead I might become more conservative but let's see how it goes. I'm looking forward to it."
Park, by contrast, was luckless on the greens – he had four three-putts – but an eagle at Clearwater Bay's par-five closing hole gives him an outside chance of extending his championship record of four consecutive wins if he can put in a strong showing over the Hong Kong Golf Club's Eden Course on the last day.
"It was a struggle out there," admitted the 42-year-old. "I'm three back and chasing, so I'm just going to go out and try to make as many birdies as I can to put the pressure on."
D'Souza, 17, will join Barr and Park in the final group, and is relishing the opportunity of taking on his professional counterparts.
"I'm in the final group of a pro event, so it's going to be a great experience whatever happens," said the reigning Hong Kong Open Amateur champion, who came in with a 71.
Hong Kong-based pros Nathan Goulding and James Stewart both made big moves in the second round, with scores of 65 and 67 respectively, to find themselves in a share of fourth place, four shots ahead of tournament drawcard Rich Beem. The American major winner, who captured the 2002 PGA Championship after holding off Tiger Woods down the closing stretch, carded a 72 for solo seventh place.
