Bermuda's young golfers topped three of the five age group divisions after the opening round of the 54-hole Atlantic International Junior Championships at Port Royal yesterday.

Fraser Hunt led the way in the boys' 18-21 group with a superb even-par 71 that left him three shots clear of his nearest rival in a division which features eight players from Bermuda and Canada.

Ebonie Burgess also impressed among the girls' open division as she went round the Southampton course in three-over-par 74 to take a whopping eight-shot lead.

And Jeffrey Oughton completed an encouraging day for the locals as he led the boys' 12 and under group with a round of 80.

Canadian Alvin Yeung carded a one-over-par 72 to hold the early advantage among the boys' 15-17 group in which Bermuda's Camiko Smith shared second place with another Canadian, Brian Lee, after both turned in scores of 75. Jason Darrell of Bermuda was another shot back on 76.

In the boys' 13-14 division, Canada's Steve Lee was the only player to break 80 as his 78 gave him a two-shot lead over four players including Bermuda's Andrew Osborne.

Players from Bermuda, Canada and the US are competing in the three-day event which continues at Port Royal today before switching to Riddell's Bay for the final round tomorrow.

Bermuda's junior boys have an added incentive this year with the top 12 in the Atlantic Championships earning selection for a Ryder Cup-style match against the visiting Canadians at Riddell's Bay on Thursday and Friday of this week.

Each country will field a team of 14 including two girls.

Ebonie Burgess and Emily Linn will be Bermuda's female representatives.