the 18th Atlantic International Junior Championships at Belmont yesterday, carding a 70 to take a comfortable six-stroke lead in the boys 15-17 age group.

In second place in the division is Hywel Brown of Bermuda on 76 with another American, Ryan McGeehan, a further stroke back in third.

One handicapper, James Baker of Florida, had a fine 72 for the second best round of the day, good enough to give him the early lead over Brennan Webb of Ontario in the 18-21 age group. Baker leads Webb by three shots with John McFadden of the US third and three strokes behind on 78.

Bermuda's Chris Garland withdrew from that age group because of an injury. The leading local is Daniel Gresham on 79, good for fourth overall.

Alisa Hardy had a two-stroke lead in the girls 16-21 division, after shooting an 80. Chauntelle Miller of Florida lies second on 82.

The 13-14 boys age group is shaping up already with Kyle Miller of the US leading on 77 and followed closely by visitor Gavin McGeehan on 78 and Quinton Sherlock of Bermuda on 79.

Nine-year-old Aaron James of Bermuda shot a great round of 83 to lead the 10 and under group by 10 shots over Ty Tryon of the US.

ALISA HARDY -- Holds two-stroke lead.