Big-hitting New South Welshman Kurt Barnes and Victorian Cameron Percy are tied for the lead after the opening round of the Victorian PGA Championship in Melbourne. The pair carded seven-under rounds of 65 to take the lead, one shot clear of Queenslander Lee Hunt, while local hope Marc Leishman and talented Queenslander Wayne Perske are tied for fourth at five-under, after opening rounds of 67. Barnes, who fired four birdied and an eagles on his back nine, was pleased with the way he hit the ball throughout his round. “I shot ten-under in the second round last year, but felt today&aposs round was equal if not of better ball striking quality,” Barnes said. “I have always had a liking to the layout, the course is in great condition as always and I hope I can continue this form heading into the final three days.” Former Australian Open champion Peter Senior, shot a three-under 69, Peter Fowler signed for 71, while Scott Draper started with a level par round of 72.