Mark Phillips and Tariqah Walikraam were the top championship qualifiers during yesterday’s stroke play round in the Bermuda Amateur Match Play Championships at Mid Ocean Golf Course.

Phillips shot a one-under-par 70 to finish two strokes ahead of Ben Hodge in the men’s division, while Spencer Wideman carded a three-over 74 on a day of high scores, with only six players shooting in the seventies.

Walikraam carded an 85 to lead the women’s qualifiers while Carol Jones was second on 88.

The low score in the men’s senior division was Gray Yancey’s 81, while Bill Pitt and Ken O’Neill both carded 84.

Walker Campbell and Ebonie Burgess, neither of whom played yesterday, begin the defence of their titles this morning with Campbell taking on Alex Hale, the highest scorer yesterday with his 21-over 92.

Campbell beat Jevon Roberts 5 and 4 in last year’s 36-hole final.

Phillips will meet Scott Barnett while Fraser Hunt takes on Michael Daniel, and veteran Robert Vallis plays Mikus Ming.

Hunt was the 2014 winner, winning a first match play title after beating Ben Hodge in the final. Hodge will meet Jamie MacMillan today.

Burgess is favourite to land a third straight title among the women. Burgess, who beat Elizabeth Parsons in last year’s final, takes on Gina Zangrillo this morning while Walikraam plays Linda Down.

Valerie Nearon takes on Susan Vallis and Carol Jones meets Katrin Burnie.

Top senior men’s qualifier, Gray Yancey meets Steve Hickmott while Jens Juul plays Kavon Trott.

Bill Pitt takes on Terry Mullan and Ken O’Neill battles Ed Frey.