over the North American continent on their way to succes at the Can-Am Junior Open Golf Tournament in Greenelefe, Florida.

Mello comfortably won the 12-15 age group, finishing 10 strokes clear of his closest challengers from Quebec and Ontario.

Mello's first two rounds of 76 and 73 had left him four strokes clear of the field going into the final day and a two-over-par 74 was enough to seal his victory.

Smith captured second place in the 16-19 age group of the 54-hole event, overcoming a three-stroke deficit to climb from third to second with a final round 80, after carding 79 and 78 on the first two days.

Mello, who shot a superb par-35 on the front nine, said: "I knew I had an excellent chance with four holes to go when my putt dropped in for a par-five on the 511-yard double dog-leg with a small green.'' Smith said: "I tried to put pressure on the two leaders from the beginning.

Gradually I gained three and took over second place, but there were not enough holes to play when the winner lost his concentration.'' Last day temperatures at the tournament, which is played on three different courses in Greenelefe, fell into the low 50s and a biting wind replaced the early-morning fog of the first two days.

Mello and Smith were taking on players from Ontario, Quebec, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Tennessee, Georgia, Ohio and Connecticut.

Meanwhile, 15-year-old Fraser Hunt clinched the Bermuda Junior Match Play Championship with a five and four victory over Chris Brough in the 36-hole final at Riddell's Bay Golf Club.

Hunt was never in trouble and was seven up after the first 18 holes. Brough fought back, trimming Hunt's lead to four, but eventually conceded defeat at the 32nd hole.

For Hunt, it was the second trophy in the space of a week, after his triumph in the Fecchio Cup at the Belmont Golf Club. He said he was "thrilled'' and added: "I just stayed focused and kept my concentration.'' O.J.Pitcher defeated Eric West three and two to take the championship consolation prize.

Jamie Macmillan won the 12-and-under category in a thrilling contest with Tyler Marshall which reached a stalemate at the 18th green. Marshall conceded defeat at the 19th.

In the other 15-plus age group match, Nick Dunkle defeated Jonathan Hayes four and two.

Jarryd Dillas won the 13-14 age group with a three and one victory over David Smith, while Douglas Markey strode to a convincing six and five win against Steven Roy.