nearest challenger Bermudian Ryan Mello at Belmont yesterday.

Haddrell, 16, went into the third round with a two-shot lead and finished the day's play on even par with birdies at the first, fifth and 10th holes.

"The competition was good although I didn't know what to expect because I don't know anyone here. I was pleasantly surprised as there are a lot of good players here and the competition was well organised,'' said Haddrell.

Haddrell, whose favourite player is Nick Faldo, hopes to earn a golf scholarship to an American University where he could pursue a career on the PGA tour.

Ryan Mello eased into second place with a three day total of 218, just edging David Smith on retrogression. Mello is currently an academy student in South Carolina and he also has dreams of becoming a professional.

In the 13-14 age group, Jaryd Dillas walked away with first prize, finishing a whopping 13 strokes ahead of second-placed Sean Harlington. Doug Markey finished third with 237.

Dillas also had high praise for the course conditions and is hopeful that his hard work will allow him to make a living on the PGA tour. "The course is in good shape and the greens are rolling really well. This allowed me to play well all week. I putted well, I struck the ball solid and I got the breaks. I just have to continue to work at it,''said Dillas after recording his first victory of the season.

Tyler Marshall did likewise in the 12-and-under category with a 54-hole total of 237, an astonishing 29 shots ahead of second-placed Shane Kelly.

Ten-year-old Mark Phillips eased himself to the top of the leaderboard in the 10-and-under category with a total of 128 (42-43-43) after three days of nine-hole rounds, eight shots ahead of Blair Marshall. Scores on page 26.

Ryan Mello: runner-up in the Fecchio Cup at Belmont and the top-placed Bermudian.