to the rest of the field in the BJGA Fecchio Cup when he carded a superb two-under-par 68 in the opening round at Belmont yesterday. The youngster, who plays off a one handicap, had six birdies in his round to finish two strokes ahead of local Ryan Mello and five in front of another Bermudian, OJ Pitcher, who carded a 73.

In the 13-14 age group Jared Dillas holds a comfortable lead at the top of the group. He fired a two-over 72 after playing the back nine in one-under. In second place is Sean Harlington on 77.

Tyler Marshall is in pole position in the 12-and-under group on 82 with his brother Blair leading the 10-and-under section by one shot.

Play continues today with pairings starting at 10.45 a.m.