Young Eric West holds a slim two-shot lead heading into today?s second round of the Bermuda Amateur Strokeplay Championships.

The emerging talent entered the clubhouse yesterday having carded one-over-par 72 in his opening round at Port Royal Golf Course. His score was good enough to keep him ahead of the hard-chasing trio of Fraser Hunt, Nick Mansell and Michael Tavares who each scored 74 and Camiko Smith on 75.

Playing under bright skies and with the wind kicking up a bit, West negotiated the course with little drama and would clearly be seeking to consolidate his position during today?s 18 holes.

Defending titleholder Hunt showed the mettle of a true champion as he pulled out the day?s second-lowest score despite not being on song.

?I struggled with my ball striking but I managed to scramble around the golf course and luckily I was able to put up halfway decent numbers. I struggled off the tee and it was often a matter of getting back in play and giving myself a chance to make par.

?I didn?t take myself out of the tournament and I?m looking forward to the next 54 holes. Hopefully I can hit the ball a little straighter tomorrow, keep making some putts and hopefully things will work out. I like my chances,? said the bubbly 21-year-old who is eager to defend his crown.

Regarding the blustery conditions, Hunt was not at all perturbed.

?There?s a bit more wind than I saw on the forecast but I like it. I?ve got a few shots I can play in the wind.

?I didn?t really have my ?A? game today. I?ll work on a few things tonight and go back out there tomorrow.?

The University of Rhode Island views Mansell ? who was paired with him and Richard Knight in the last group yesterday ? as well as West, Jarryd Dillas and Dave Allison as the primary contenders to dethrone him.

?There?s a lot of good golfers out here. Nick (Mansell) is hitting the ball well and though he didn?t putt great, he is always solid.?

Mansell himself described his round as having ?ups and downs?. ?I had a few good holes today and got four birdies but I had too many bogeys,? said Port Royal?s course superintendent.

?I think it puts me in contention. I?m just two off the pace so far but there?s still 54 holes and a lot of golf to go.?

The 38-year-old said the course did not play ?too bad?, noting that he ?didn?t miss any putts because of the greens or anything like that?.

?Of course, I work here so I know a little more about it than other people,? he quipped.

In the net division, Tavares leads on 68 followed by Geoff Piggott on 70 and Cornell Bean Jr. and David Thompson, both on 72.

Meanwhile, another top golfer, Anthony Mocklow, had to withdraw from the championships after missing his flight from England.

In addition to today?s second round of the men?s tournament, the first round of the women?s 54-hole competition will be played. Ebonie Burgess, Laura Robinson and Susie Elton are favoured to lift the title.