However, extra duty was required as the Bermudian was forced into a play-off with James Stahl before he could claim rights to being the medallist after both finished the regulation 18 holes with scores of 77.

Mayne will thus face D.Zagoran today in the Championship Flight as the event switches to match play. Zagoran carded an 88 along with five others over the par 71 course at Mid Ocean to barely qualify.

Meanwhile, Joel Hirsch, who as the defending champion received an automatic bid to the championship round, takes on low qualifier Alex Laughlan (88).

Also looming large on the horizon is 1991 winner Doug Clark, whose eight-over-par 79 yesterday gave him fourth, a stroke behind David Sezna.

Missing out for the second consecutive year was 1992's beaten finalist Ricky Cox as he found the elements particularly cruel in ballooning to 94 on the day.

Local professional Kim Swan heads back to Florida today on a double mission of improving his game in time for the World Cup qualifier in Ocho Rios in May, and to play in some mini tour events.

Swan and Dwayne Pearman will be Bermuda's two representatives during the two rounds of World Cup qualifying starting on May 7. Swan will spend three weeks in Florida with Orlando being his base.

"I need to zoom in on golf for at least the next three weeks,'' said Swan who will also play in a Nike tour event later this month.

"I need to give myself three consecutive weeks of playing golf so I can evaluate where my game is,'' said the pro. "I want to get match tough with some tournaments under my belt.'' Despite the lack of sponsorship Swan, is determined to follow through with his dream of getting on the PGA circuit.

"I'm still looking for sponsors but there were some disappointments in the mail,'' he said.

"It just makes me more focussed on what I have to do. I'm prepared to put my own resources into it. I'm looking forward to my golf with great enthusiasm.'' Added Swan: "My main focus is to get on the PGA circuit in the next two to three years. There is a US Open qualifier in May in Florida.'' Swan and Pearman head to Jamaica in May knowing that the top four countries will qualify from the zone which involves 26 countries.

SCOTT MAYNE -- Emerged as the medallist after play-off yesterday at Mid Ocean