championships predictably held down the top three places after the first round at Port Royal yesterday.

Americans Dennis Connors and Dan Rourke, who won the event in 1991, fired a one under par 70 to move into first place, just one shot ahead of locals Barry DeCouto and Dave Purcell who carded an even par 71.

1992 champions Henry Ascento and Bill Pitt Jr. put themselves in the picture with a one-over 72 for third place.

Four teams returned scores of 73.

In the net division, local players Eddie Kyme and Michael Tavares led the way with a 65, one shot ahead of Brian Haxton and Tom Keogh. George Beaudette and William Shelton are third on 67.

The second round of the championship tees off this morning along with the first round of the 54-hole women's event, in which Joan Connors of the US and Bermuda's Judithanne Outerbridge will defend their title.