HONG KONG, 14 Jan, 2015 (HK Golfer News Wire) - The Singapore-based Australian holed a 6ft birdie putt on the final green to card a two-under 68 over the New Course at the Hong Kong Golf Club to head the field alongside Hong Kong’s Mickey Chan Chun-hung on level par.
Asian Tour regular Scott Barr, who finished runner-up in the event last year, shared third place alongside the first-round leader, Hong Kong’s Chau Pui, just one shot back.
"It’s always good to end with a birdie," said Park, who finished in 27th place on the 2014 Asian Tour Order of Merit. "It wasn’t easy out there - the wind is always a factor at Fanling - and I three-putted a couple of times, which was annoying. But overall it was a pretty satisfying day."
Despite his position at the top of the leader board - not to mention his stellar record in the tradition-rich event - Park isn’t taking anything for granted as the tournament moves to Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club for the final round.
"Being in contention is the most important thing but Clearwater Bay is the type of course where anyone within a few shots of the lead still has a chance," said Park. "I lost a few balls there in the practice round, so I’m going to have play better than that to give myself a good chance tomorrow."
Chan, 23, matched Park’s 68 and said he couldn’t wait to play alongside both him and Australian Barr in the final round.
"They’re obviously really experienced, so it’s going to be a really great opportunity for me to learn from them," said Chan, who will be heading to the OneAsia Tour’s Q-School in Malaysia next month. "I’m going to stick to my game plan and try my best.
"I have good memories of Clearwater Bay - it’s where I won my first ever junior tournament - so I’m really looking forward to the challenge."
