Two-time winner Tim Conley launched his bid for a third Belmont Invitational title with a sizzling five-under par 65 in yesterday's opening round.

That gave him a two stroke lead over defending champion Fran Marello (67) and a four-shot advantage over home course pro Cornell Bean (69) on a day which saw only those three players break par.

Having fired the best round in Sunday's Pro-Am, an even par 70 in gusty winds, Conley made the most of yesterday's near-perfect conditions to put himself in perfect position to add to the championships he won back in 1991 and 1993.

But Marello who romped to a six shot victory over runner-up Conley last year with a four-round total of 274 -- the lowest since Conley's triumph in '91 -- was more than happy with his first round.

"Compared to yesterday (Sunday), I was hitting the ball really well,'' said the Connecticut resident, who birdied holes two, 10, 11 and 16 against a single bogey on 14.

"I played horrendously yesterday, but today from tee to green I was very happy. I didn't putt well, but all in all it wasn't a bad effort.

"But there's still a long way to go. Tim's definitely the man to beat although I'm sure there's a lot of players who are capable of challenging.'' Bean led the local professionals with his one-under 69 on a course on which he is expected to play well. But his professional partners at Belmont, Dwayne Pearman (73), the winner in 1992, and Barry DeCouto (75), playing in the event for the first time as a pro, would have probably liked to have been closer to par considering the near-ideal weather.

Surprise of the day was local seven-handicap amateur, Chalmers Talbot, who compiled an even par 70 to lead the junior amateur division over Dave Purcell (72), Nick Mansell (73), Tim Carr (74), Bobby McRonald (74), and Bill Pitt.

Among the professionals, Bermuda's Phillip Pitcher returned a one-over 71, while regular return visitor Paul Parajeckas, fourth last year, fired 72 as did Bermuda pros Kim Swan and Keith Smith.

Sharing the lead among the senior professionals is former Southampton Princess pro, Eardley Jones, who carded 74 along with Ed Whalley.

Defending senior champion Joe Carr, who opened with a blistering 65 last year, had to settle for a 76 yesterday.

Leading senior amateur is Bermuda two-handicapper Noel Van Putten who toured Belmont's 5,777 yard lay-out in 75, one ahead in that division of Winston Trott.

The 72-hole tournament, in which the pros are chasing a $20,000 purse, continues today.

TIM CONLEY -- bidding for a third Belmont title.