to capture the lead after the third round of the Atlantic International Junior golf championships.

Playing in the 18-21 age division, Columbus University student Garland leapfrogged over his university team-mate, American Chad Glanton, who ballooned to an 82.

Twenty-year-old Garland now leads Glanton by six shots with another Columbus player, American Ken Pullin, eight shots back of the leader following a round of four-over-par 75.

Local Robbie Spurling has edged ahead in the boys 15-17 age group after a third round score of 80.

He went ahead of overnight leader Patrick Graham (78) by one shot with Americans Kieran Doherty and Andy Little only four shots further back. Eight players are within 10 shots of the lead, including Michael Sims who carded yesterday's low round of 72.

The boys 13-14 age group has turned into a two-horse race between Americans Kyle Miller and William Weil. Miller leads by four after firing a 79.

Jameica Duncombe of the Bahamas increased her lead to a comfortable 14 shots over Bermuda's Lindsay Sims in the girls Open category. Duncombe returned an 88 while the low round of 83 was carded by American Kristen Pepe.

Young Aaron James is still in command of the 12 and under group after shooting an outstanding three-over-par 38 for the back nine and now leads Fraser Hunt by nine strokes.

The final round of play takes place at Belmont today with the leaders teeing off between 9.00 and 9.30 a.m.