when they opened the defence of their Founders Trophy golf title at Mid Ocean Club yesterday.

Vallis and White carded a net 10-under-par 61 to share the early lead with Bermuda's Terry West and Canada's Neil Lumsden.

However, the field is tightly bunched with three teams on net 62 and another three on 63.

Two-time US Open tennis champion Pat Rafter, playing with local Kevin Petty, is also in contention after an opening round of 66.

Vallis and White lead the gross division on 64, five shots ahead of second-placed Hugh Barit and Lou Bachrodt.

The 72-hole event switches to the Pinehurst format today before reverting to better-ball medal play for the final two rounds on Thursday and Friday.

BUMPER ENTRY FOR MILE RACES RUN Bumper entry for mile races Almost 700 schoolchildren have signed up for this weekend's Telford Electric Mile races at the National Stadium.

Organiser Cal Simons noted yesterday that 670 junior runners between the ages of four and 15 had registered for the event and entries were still being accepted until 5.00 p.m. tomorrow.

Forms can be picked up from and dropped off at the Pro Shop, Sportseller and both Telford Electric offices.

The races, which will also double as the third events in the current KPMG junior series, get underway at 12.00 noon on Saturday.

T-shirts will be given to all competitors and the school with the largest number of runners will receive $200 to help their physical education department.

Runners can pick up their numbers between 8.30 and 11.00 a.m. on Saturday at Devonshire Recreation Club.