Invitational golf tournament yesterday in a second round which saw many of the leading professionals overshadowed by two of Bermuda's top amateurs.

Following his opening round 65, the best Conley could manage yesterday was an even par 70, but with his nearest challenger, defending champion Fran Marello, also matching par there was no change atop the leaderboard.

Conley, on 135, continues to lead Marello (137) by two, but yesterday's story belonged to Belmont's own Nick Mansell who fired a superb two-under-par 68 -- the best round of the day -- to add to his opening 73 and propel him into third place overall, just four shots adrift of Marello.

Another local amateur, Policeman Tim Carr, also showed the pros a thing or two as he carded a fine one-under-par 69 which included an eagle two at the par four first.

At one stage on the back nine Carr was three under par but fell back after a double bogey at the 13th.

Best of the professionals on another calm, almost windless day, were Bermuda's former winner Dwayne Pearman and return visitor Tom Sullivan who both added 69s to first day 73s. They now share fourth spot, a shot behind Mansell, with Carr a further shot back along with fellow local Policeman Dave Purcell who added an impressive one-over-par 71 to his first round 72.

Local amateur Chalmers Talbot who enjoyed one of his best-ever rounds on Monday, an even par 70, stayed in the hunt yesterday with a 76, leaving just four shots separating the top four amateurs.

Among the pros, the battle for first prize still appears to be between Conley and Marello, with Pearman and Sullivan their nearest challengers.

Home course pro Cornell Bean, who opened with a 69, slipped to a 75 yesterday and now trails Conley by nine, while Kim Swan carded 74 yesterday to leave himself 11 shots off the lead.

In the senior professional division, Paul Barkhouse (147) jumped into the lead yesterday with a 74 which was matched by defending champion Joe Carr who stands on 150. Bermuda's Eardley Jones also fired 74 to move within one stroke of Barkhouse.

Noel Van Putten (152) continues to lead the senior amateur division, adding a 77 to his first day 75, while former Cup Match cricketer Winston (Coe) Trott is two back after rounds of 76 and 78.

The third round of the $20,000 tournament will be played today.

Bermuda's 43rd annual Goodwill tournament is set to get underway on Monday with many of the visiting players competing in the Belmont Invitational remaining on the Island for that event.

The 104 teams entered will play on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at Castle Harbour, Belmont, Mid Ocean and Port Royal.

The Goodwill professional tournament is scheduled for Wednesday. PHOTO