RICHARD Bean is used to friendly taunts from his fellow professionals when they compare him to the hapless clown portrayed by Rowan Atkinson.

"I've learned to live with it and I can give back as good as I get," he said.

And the 26-year-old attached to Upton-by-Chester could have the last laugh if he maintains his impressive form in the M.E.N. Manchester Open at Mottram Hall, going into today's final round sharing the lead with Hillside's Phil Kenyon on two-under-par.

Crucial

Yesterday, he had some unfinished business, as one of the 45 players who could not complete their first rounds after torrential rain. Bean had only the last hole left and he birdied for a two-under-par 70 for a four-way share of the lead.

Conditions improved overnight but a blustery wind ensured that no one would burn up the course.

Bean settled for a 72, made up of birdies, bogeys and a eagle at the ninth where he rifled a five iron approach to eight feet.

He also picked up a birdie at the next hole, which was crucial, because he racked up double bogeys at 11 and 12 and leaked another shot at the 17th.

"The back nine was tough," conceded Bean, who for a slightly-built player packs a punch.

"I have been called the Baby Face Assassin in my time."

Youth

That was mostly in his early career when he combined his job as an assistant at Upton with professional football, playing alongside Manchester United striker Alan Smith at Leeds in the youth team.

He is enjoying his best season since turning pro six years ago, winning a Tamsel Tour event at Northenden in the summer, which he attributes to his fitness and his caddie-cum-girlfriend Lesley who is a psychiatric nurse. "She's my calming influence," said Bean.

Bean and Kenyon, who signed for a 70, and Yorkshire's Adrian Amber were the only players under par.

The tournament is co-sponsored by Brother UK and Mercedes Benz.

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