Tournament yesterday and only three shots separate the top 18 as the event shapes up for a grandstand finish later this week.

First day leaders Long Cove from Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, who left Belmont on Monday with a three shot advantage after a round of 55, managed only a 65 at Mid Ocean yesterday, but remain in a tie at the top.

They are joined by local team Southampton Princess, Suffield Country Club from Suffield, Connecticut, Lago Mar Golf and Country Club from Plantation, Florida and Waynesborough Country Club from Paoli, Florida.

All five are bracketed on net 120, but another four teams are on 121 and five more on 122.

Biggest movers yesterday were Waynesborough and Lago Mar who both fired 58 at Belmont. But that was bettered by the Belmont team who toured their own course in 57 to move into contention on 122.

The best round of the day, however, came from the defending champions Overbrook Country Club from Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.

Led by pro Gene Fieger, who played in this year's Bermuda Open, they carded a net 56 at Castle Harbour to move onto 123 and also into the running.

Joint leaders Suffield had the best round at Mid Ocean, a net 59, while the low at Port Royal yesterday was recorded by Italian team, Golf Club Villa Carolina who hail from Capriata d'Orba. They went round the Southampton course in net 60.

In the gross division Waynesborough lead with a two round total of 130, two shots up on Franconia CC.

Today the amateur team members take a break as the professionals do battle in the Bacardi Rum Goodwill pro tournament at Mid Ocean Club.