for first place before losing in a play-off at an International Junior Golf Tour event in Virginia over the weekend.

Playing on two courses at The Homestead in the 13-15 age group, Mello made a final round charge in the 36-hole event to come from seven shots back and force the play-off.

On the opening day at the Old Course, the Bermudian youngster fired 75 to tie for fifth, seven strokes behind New York's Mark Erwin. But in the second round on the Cascades course, rated number one in Virginia and 28th in North America, Mello weathered first a tropical downpour and then cold winds to shoot even par and finish in a three-way tie.

The play-off was won by Pennsylvania's Zach Amole after Mello's approach shot landed in a greenside bunker and he narrowly missed his putt after blasting out.

The tournament attracted 112 players from 17 states.

Mello recently won the BJGA Glidden Bowl at Riddell's Bay.